High school students can earn college credit in one week through a new summer program at Purdue

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — For students who want a taste of college life before they even graduate from high school, a new summer program at Purdue University could give them exactly that – along with some college credit.

Starting in the summer of 2019, Purdue will offer Summer College for High School Students, a program that will provide three different one-week, one-credit classes, including one that focuses on preparing for professional schools such as medicine and veterinary medicine. The program also includes the option for high school students to complete regular Purdue courses during the summer.

The application period opens on Dec. 1 and can be found here. High school students apply directly to the program through Purdue’s Office of Admissions and will be admitted as non-degree students. Eligible students must possess a high school GPA of 3.30 or higher, be at least 16 years old, and complete the sophomore year of high school before courses begin. Acceptance to the program does not mean acceptance to the university as an undergraduate. High school students will need to complete the Common Application or Coalition Application during their senior year to be considered for degree-seeking admission to the university.

John Gipson, director of Summer Session at Purdue, said the courses will offer a combination of hands-on activities and work on a project that will be presented to participants’ families on the last day of each course. Students will also participate in social activities and explore campus.

“​​Students will gain the opportunity to take classes taught by world-renowned faculty, enrich their academic portfolio by completing courses not offered during high school and meet other students from across the world,” Gipson said. “We hope students build community while exploring everything Purdue has to offer.”

Dr. Regina Kreisle, associate dean of the Indiana University School of Medicine and director of the Indiana University School of Medicine-West Lafayette, is looking forward to collaborating on the pre-professional experience.

“The Indiana University School of Medicine-West Lafayette is pleased to partner with Think Summer for this new course which explores planning for advanced professional training,” Kreisle said. “ Since moving to our new space in Lyles-Porter Hall in 2014, our partnerships across the Purdue campus continue to expand.”

Below are brief descriptions of the courses and when they will be offered. Complete descriptions, as well as more information about the program, can be found online.

• Empowering Women in Business (July 7-12). The one-week residential course, targeted for young women, will include interacting with Krannert students, faculty, and alumni, creating a company, and developing a sales pitch to potential investors.  Scholarships are available for this course.

• Model United Nations Summer Workshop (July 21-26). Model United Nations is an interactive course where students act as delegates to the United Nations and participate in mock committees. The coursework and activities will enhance research, critical thinking, public speaking and writing abilities. Students will debate with other delegates, learn together through group work, develope policies, and write resolutions.

• Exploring University Majors: Planning for Medical, Veterinary and Other Professional Schools After College (July 28-Aug. 2). Students will receive tips offered by staff from pre-professional advising, learn about animal health with Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and conduct activities related to human health with faculty across Purdue and the Indiana University School of Medicine-West Lafayette.

This program, offered by the Division of Summer Session, is another step toward Purdue’s goal of providing year-round academic offerings that expand access, increase affordability and speed time to college degree completion for undergraduate and high school students, as part of the university’s Purdue Moves priority initiatives. 

Writer: Abbey Nickel, 765-496-1325, nickela@purdue.edu 

Source: John Gipson, gipsonj@purdue.edu