An academic camp for high school students

June 9-13, 2025 

JBU's Summer Academy is a week-long overnight academic camp for rising 10th-12th grade high school students who want to test-drive a major in a low-risk environment. Explore a career path, build relationships, grow spiritually, and have fun! 

Cost: $650 registration fee

All meals, activities and materials are included in the registration fee.

The deadline to register is May 19, 2025.

Test-drive a college major

JBU professors have designed these special programs to help you explore potential career options in a fun and low-risk environment.

Preview college life

When you're not exploring a major, you'll enjoy meals in the caf, downtime on campus, and fun activities planned by our staff. You will stay overnight in a residence hall.

Integrate your faith, learning and work

JBU's summer academy programs are designed to encourage you to explore how your interests and future career can serve the kingdom of God.

Choose your track

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Computer Science / Cybersecurity

Learn how ‘0’s & ‘1’s operate the entire computer world as well as the foundations of programming languages like C++, Python, HTML5, CSS and Javascript. Have fun creating your own software applications, profile pictures and videos, and your own website that will be hosted in the cloud, so you can share it with the world. You'll also learn how Christian values can help you work in teams. Join the BIG (data/application) world by making a mark in CS, take a spiritual walk with new friends and enjoy! 

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Criminal Justice

Explore career paths in criminal justice in exciting and hands-on ways. Be part of a student CSI team and learn about crime scene investigation by interacting with a mock crime scene. Visit a working police station and get your fingerprints taken. Hear from real FBI agents about what it's like to work in the FBI. Visit a jail and learn about working for the department of corrections. Speak with a sitting judge and prosecutor to learn what the criminal justice system is like from their perspectives.

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Engineering

Explore the world of engineering through hands-on projects and real-world applications. Learn about circuits, programming, strength and mechanics of materials, 3D printing and more while working in teams to solve design challenges. Discover how Christian principles integrate with engineering practice. Explore engineering, build relationships, grow spiritually, and have fun! Join us this year for the space-themed robotics competition.

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Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Learn what it takes to transform ideas into successful businesses. Work with mentors to develop your own business concept, conduct market research and create a compelling business plan. Practice pitching your ideas and receive valuable feedback from peers and professionals. By the end of the program, you'll have the confidence and tools to turn your ideas into potential startups.

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Film

Over three intense days, you'll work alongside industry professionals to create a short narrative film. One day for writing, one for shooting, and one for editing - experience the complete filmmaking process with professional equipment and guidance. Join a real film crew and learn hands-on what it takes to bring a story from script to screen.

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Fine Arts

Develop your artistic vision through intensive study in drawing and painting. Working with professional artists, you'll learn advanced techniques using diverse media and materials. Build your portfolio with college-level projects while enhancing your artistic perception and technical skills.

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Game Design

In this innovative program, you’ll playtest a variety of card games, board games, role-playing games, and text adventures. During workshops you’ll gain hands-on experience in creating games on your own or with a team. These projects will expose you to cutting-edge software and coding skills, and by the end of the week, you’ll have a few original games of your own to expand on this summer! 

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Music & Theatre

Immerse yourself in the creative performing arts! Explore acting, improvisation and stage combat, take private lessons in voice and piano, sharpen your skills in theory/ear-training classes and perform in a musical theatre showcase.

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Nursing

Get a realistic preview of nursing school through hands-on experience in our simulation labs. Practice basic nursing skills, learn about patient assessment, and explore various healthcare settings. Visit a local hospital to see nurses in action and discover the many career paths available in this rewarding profession.

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Pre-Medical Professions

Conduct experiments and observe specimens in biology labs, tour the cadaver lab and chemistry lab and engage with practicing medical professionals. Explore Christian perspectives in medicine while learning about various pathways to become a medical professional. Your journey will culminate in a professional scientific presentation. For rising 11th and 12th grade students only.

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Photography

Immerse yourself in the art of black and white film photography at our Summer Academy. Through hands-on experience in shooting, developing and printing in the darkroom, students will explore the power of light, shadow and composition. Guided by expert instructors, this program blends technical skill with creative expression, offering a unique opportunity to master the timeless craft of analog photography.

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Sports Medicine & Health / Fitness

Through hands-on training, you'll master the fundamentals of sports medicine and athletic care. Learn about injury prevention, rehabilitation, and athletic performance while earning CPR certification. Work alongside experienced trainers to develop practical skills in therapeutic techniques, body composition assessment and nutritional strategy.

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Teacher Education

Step into the classroom and discover if teaching is your calling. Work with experienced educators to develop lesson planning and teaching techniques. Your main project will be creating and filming a 5-10 minute lesson video, allowing you to put your new skills into practice. Experience firsthand what it takes to inspire the next generation.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost?

Registration for Summer Academy is $650. Your registration fee covers all meals, supplies and activities from Monday morning through the end of the academy.


When do I pay for Summer Academy?

A non-refundable $100 deposit is required at registration to secure your spot. You can either pay the full Summer Academy fee during registration or pay the remaining balance by May 19th. The remaining balance is fully refundable if requested by May 19th. After May 19th, no refunds will be issued for the deposit or remaining balance.


Can I get my deposit back / a refund?

The $100 deposit is non-refundable from the time of registration. However, you can receive a full refund of the remaining balance if you request it by May 19th. Refunds for the remaining balance will be processed using the same method as your original payment. After May 19th, no refunds will be issued for either the deposit or the remaining balance.

If your Summer Academy track is cancelled for any reason or you are waitlisted for your Summer Academy track, you are eligible for a full refund, including the deposit.


What is the deadline to register?

The deadline to register for Summer Academy is May 19. However, registration for each program will close once it reaches capacity. We encourage you to register as soon as possible to secure your spot in your preferred program!


Is housing provided?

On-campus housing is available and encouraged unless a student specifically requests an exception; students will be paired with other Summer Academy students in a residence hall.


What is the schedule? What will I do each day?

During the day, you'll explore a college major with exciting activities led by JBU professors. During the evenings, you'll participate in fun activities and events put together by JBU students.

You will receive a track-specific schedule via email in the weeks leading up to Summer Academy. Below is the typical schedule.

Summer Academy schedule

Tentative

All times are CT.

  Monday June 9
10:00 a.m. Check-in (Parents/families depart after check-in)
11:30 a.m. Camp rules & regulations
12:00 p.m. Meet program group & counselors
Lunch
12:30 p.m. Camp opening session
1:30 p.m. Program instructions & overview (includes campus tour)
5:30 p.m. Dinner
6:30 p.m. Evening campus activities
  Tuesday June 10
8:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Program instruction & activities
12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. Program instruction & activities
2:30 p.m. Optional brain break
5:30 p.m. Dinner
6:30 p.m. Evening campus activities
  Wednesday June 11
8:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Program instruction & activities
12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. Program instruction & activities
2:30 p.m. Optional brain break
5:30 p.m. Dinner
6:30 p.m. Evening campus activities
  Thursday June 12
8:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Program instruction & activities
12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. Program instruction & activities
2:30 p.m. Optional brain break
5:30 p.m. Dinner
6:00-9:00 p.m. Open labs for showcase presentations
7:15 p.m. Movie
  Friday June 13
8:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m. Check-out
9:00 a.m. Open lab time
10:00 a.m. Project showcase
  Summer Academy concludes

What should I wear?

Summer Academy is a casual event, so wear comfortable, casual clothes like you would at school. Closed-toe shoes may be required for certain lab activities.


Is transportation available?

Transportation is available to/from Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) and Tulsa International Airport (TUL) upon request. You must notify the Academic Partnerships Office at least two weeks before the start date of the Academy and pay the fee ($10 each way) to use this shuttle service.


What should I pack?
Recommended items
  • Clothes
  • Toiletries
  • Towel, washcloth/loofa
  • Bedding for a twin bed
  • Pillow
  • Pencils, pens, paper
Optional items
  • Laptop or tablet
  • Camera
  • Workout clothes

I'm on the Summer Academy waitlist. When will I know if I've been accepted?

As spaces become available, JBU Summer Academy staff will move waitlisted registrants off the waitlist in order of priority, based on the date of registration. You will be notified if your registration is moved. If you are not moved off the waitlist by May 19, 2025, JBU Summer Academy staff will reach out to either cancel your waitlist registration or offer you a spot in another track, depending on availability.

If you choose to cancel your waitlist registration, you will receive a full refund (including deposit). If you choose to join another Summer Academy track, your payment will be transferred.


I have questions. Whom should I contact?

Submit the Summer Academy Information form to receive Summer Academy updates, including a notification when registration opens, as they are available.

For other questions, please contact Sarah Erdman, Director of Summer Academy, at serdman@jbu.edu.


How would I list JBU Summer Academy on a resume?

Summer Academy is a week-long residential program at JBU where high school students explore potential college majors. You can highlight this experience on your resume to demonstrate academic initiative and career exploration.
 
Sample description:
 
JBU Summer Academy - [Track Name] Program
June 2025 (1 week)
Participated in intensive hands-on training in [specific track] under university faculty guidance
Developed technical skills through specialized lab work and real-world projects
Collaborated with peers on [specific project/presentation relevant to track]
Gained exposure to career pathways through interactions with industry professionals
Experienced collegiate academic environment through residential program


Test-drive a college major

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