Summer College for High School Students Office of the Provost

For-Credit Fun-Sized Courses

Purdue University is excited to offer intensive short-term opportunities for high school students during June and July. Move-in and orientation for each experience will occur on Sunday and class sessions begin on Monday.

Please follow these instructions to submit the Summer College for High School Students application. The Summer 2023 application opened on December 1, 2022. 

COVID-19 Note: Credit-bearing high school experiences were offered on campus last summer and they will be conducted on campus again during Summer 2023. 

Atoms at Work: Explore Nuclear Energy with the Purdue Nuclear Reactor (This program is currently full for Summer 2023.)

June 18 - June 23, 2023

Credit hours: 2

During the Atoms at Work program, rising high school seniors will undergo a crash course on all things nuclear. Each day of the one-week course will be a combination of interactive lectures and hands on experiments at Purdue’s Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Laboratory (NERL). Students will have demonstrated to them concepts ranging from radiation detection to reactor physics and will be exposed to the topics and materials they will likely study in nuclear engineering in a fun and interactive manner. The experience will culminate, at the end of the week, with a hands-on lab where students will get to use the PUR-1 reactor for their final experiment along with a tour of a commercial nuclear power plant.

Data Science and STEM  (This program is currently full for Summer 2023.)

June 18 - June 23, 2023

Credit hours: 1

From tracking activity on a wearable device to ensuring the accuracy of sports statistics, data is everywhere. The world is in need of scientists to help analyze, manipulate and act on this data. This course provides students with a unique combination of statistical analysis and computing experience as well as the chance to gain deep critical thinking skills. From healthcare to cybersecurity students will explore the impact of data and how to join one of the fastest growing career fields in the country.

*Students enrolled in this course will be required to bring a personal laptop (minimum of 8GB RAM). A limited number of computers are available for rental, students may also share.

Introduction to Academic Programs at Purdue: GS 11900  (This program is currently full for Summer 2023.)

June 18 - June 23, 2023

Credit hours: 1

Not sure what you want to major in when you go to college? Want to learn more about all the exciting opportunities that await you at Purdue University? Introduction to Academic Programs at Purdue is a one-week course designed to help you learn all about Purdue and what it has to offer. In this course, students can expect to: 

  • Conduct activities with instructors from various majors
  • Speak with representatives about their programs and majors
  • Explore Purdue’s campus, make friends, and enjoy fun activities
  • Speak with current Purdue students about their experiences at Purdue
  • Live in one of our residence halls and eat at our award winning dining courts

Fantastic Plastic: Designing a Product Using 3D Printing (This program is currently full for Summer 2023.)

June 18 - June 23, 2023

Credit hours: 1

So many of the products that we use every day are made of plastic. Spanning topics in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, and sustainability, this course will explore questions such as: What methods can be used to form plastics into different shapes? What properties of plastics make them suitable for different products? Where do plastics come from? Where do they go when we dispose of them?

Students will work in teams to choose a product to design and bring that product to life using 3D printing. Hands-on activities give a practical perspective on the properties of plastics that are needed for different manufacturing methods. Students will tour state-of-the-art facilities at Purdue that fabricate prototypes such as plastic electronics. This course will provide a glimpse into the future of product prototyping and manufacturing.

TOTAL - Turned Onto Technology And Leadership (This program is currently full for Summer 2023.)

June 18 - June 23, 2023

Credit hours: 1

The Turned Onto Technology And Leadership (TOTAL) program is offered by Purdue Polytechnic Institute’s Recruitment, Retention, and Diversity Office. TOTAL introduces high school students to the various fields of technology that are offered as Bachelor of Science degree programs in the college. Students participating in the program will dive into the six different academic departments of the Polytechnic: Aviation Technology, Construction Management Technology, Computer Information Technology, Computer Graphics Technology, Engineering Technology and Technology Leadership and Innovation. Students will earn one college credit during the program by working on a week-long project with faculty members in the Polytechnic Institute. Throughout the one-week program, students will also take part in activities with each of the six departments to gain a better understanding of technology fields, participate in the hands-on learning environment that the Polytechnic utilizes, and learn how in-demand technology careers are made possible through the Polytechnic Institute’s degree programs. This program will have an enhanced focus on the importance of diversity and inclusion for underrepresented students during college.

Agriculture Science Research Institute (This program is currently full for Summer 2023.)

June 25 - June 30, 2023

Credit hours: 1

Agriculture Science Research Institute (ASRI) is a one-week residential program that allows students to grow their interests in STEM areas and experience Purdue’s campus life. To demonstrate research, innovation and discovery in agriculture and science; Purdue Agriculture faculty, graduate students, and staff serve as research mentors of hands-on experiments and projects in their facilities throughout the week. Previously, students were hosted in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Food Science, Agronomy, Botany and Plant Pathology, and Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Departments.  Students will spend their days conducting various research projects and connecting with college leadership throughout the week. Students will present their findings and learning outcomes to their student peers, faculty and staff, and any guests during a culminating event at the end of the week.

(Beyond) Anime, K-Pop, Bollywood, and Shang-Chi: Asians & Asian Americans in Popular Culture   

June 25 - June 30, 2023

Credit hours: 1

(Beyond) Anime, K-Pop, Bollywood, and Shang-Chi: Asian Americans and Asians in Popular Culture will take students to the history, significance, and current topics of Asian American and Asian representations in the media and popular culture. In this class, students will watch, review, and learn about diverse forms of Asian/American popular culture and connect them with topics such as Asian migration to the United States, lived experiences of Asian immigrants and Asian Americans, as well as issues such as anti-Asian racism. Students will be involved in a mini exhibit project on the topic and learn from Asian-interest student organizations about further opportunities to engage with their popular culture initiatives.

Exploring Human Disease Detection & Prevention (This program is currently full for Summer 2023.)

June 25 - June 30, 2023

Credit hours: 1

Have you ever wondered how we establish connections between the appearance of a disease and exposure to things in our environment, not only the outdoors, but in our homes and workplaces. How about our ability to not only diagnose such diseases but formulate tailored treatments and innovative therapies as well as devise recommendations to prevent such aliments. If yes, then this course might be the one for you.  Through engagement in this course, students will experience a variety of techniques used to support the detection, treatment, and prevention of human disease.           

TEAM: Technology Expanding All Minds

June 25 - June 30, 2023

Credit hours: 1

TEAM (Technology Expanding All Minds) is a week-long engaging and informative summer course for  9th  & 10th grade students sponsored by the Purdue Polytechnic Recruitment, Retention and Diversity Office.  The program is designed to introduce young women to Purdue Polytechnic Institute majors and career opportunities for women within the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Students will learn about hands-on academic programs in Aviation, Construction Management, Computer Information Technology, Computer Graphics Technology, Engineering Technology, and Technology, Leadership and Innovation and interact with faculty from these areas. This program will have an enhanced focus on the importance of diversity and inclusion for underrepresented students during college.

Thomora Black Arts Workshop (Hosted by the Black Cultural Center)

June 25 - June 30, 2023

Credit hours: 1

Are you interested in learning all things Black Arts such as: dance, theatre, and contemporary commercial musicianship? Join us for the Thomora Black Arts Workshop! The workshop will cover the teachings of Katherine Dunham and Augusto Boal. Within this immersive and experiential cultural learning experience you will be walked through 3 different classes:

  • Theatre: Explore contemporary themes and issues related to everyday life. As well as develop a short devised theatre work.
  • Dance: Learn about several unique dance techniques drawn from modern, traditional and contemporary practice.
  • Contemporary Commercial Musicianship: Research R&B, Pop, and Gospel music styles.

V1 for Aviation (This program is currently full for Summer 2023.)

June 25 - June 30, 2023

Credit hours: 1

Take to the skies with an introduction into the four aviation disciplines offered by the School of Aviation & Transportation Technology (SATT). By participating in V1 for Aviation, students will get practical experience in the areas of Aeronautical Engineering Technology (AET), Aviation Management, Professional Flight and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). They’ll engage in hands-on learning environments, learn from faculty and meet current undergraduate students in SATT majors. Students will also spend time in the Purdue University Airport, one of the busiest airports in Indiana, and learn about the variety of careers in aviation. Participants will live in one of Purdue’s residence halls and experience college life first-hand!

One day of this experience will be taught by United States Space Force Guardians. Topics include space science, applied engineering, and leadership. 

Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering Experience (This program is currently full for Summer 2023.)

July 9 - July 14, 2023

Credit hours: 1

Aeronautical and astronautical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They work in all technical areas to develop new technologies, whether it be safe, efficient and sustainable air transportation; exploration of and access to space; maintaining defense and security; or using aerospace to facilitate new opportunities.  This course will focus on projects to introduce you to the disciplines of aerodynamics, aerospace systems, astrodynamics and space applications, autonomy and control, propulsion, and structures and materials. 

In this one-week course, students will: 

  • Learn how aeronautical and astronautical engineers are preparing for the future. 
  • Participate in learning activities related to aerodynamics, aerospace systems, astrodynamics and space applications, autonomy and control, propulsion, and structures and materials.
  • Learn about the physical phenomena and mathematical principles used by aeronautical and astronautical engineers within their technical areas. 
  • Interact with faculty and student researchers at Purdue.

Athletics Department Behind-the-Scenes: The Science and Business of Sports (This program is currently full for Summer 2023.)

July 9 - July 14, 2023

Credit hours: 1

This week-long program will take students on a whirlwind tour of an athletics department. They will have hands-on experiences with various staff and by the end of the week should have a better understanding of the complexities of this department. There will be an opportunity to learn from members of the sports medicine team including athletic trainers, sports medicine physicians, dieticians, psychologists, and strength and conditioning professionals. Students will also be exposed to the business of athletics through time with administrators and members of our game day experience team.

Developing Tomorrow's Infrastructure: An Introduction to Civil Engineering (This program is currently full for Summer 2023.)

July 9 - July 14, 2023

Credit hours: 1

Civil engineers design, build, and maintain our infrastructure in a way that accommodates the needs of generations to come.  From roadways, tunnels, bridges, and sewers to public transit, power grids, coastline protection, and the next city skyline, civil engineers design the world of the future. This course is built around projects designed to introduce you to the principles and practices of a wide range of disciplines within civil engineering, build skills in working with teams during the design process, and develop a broad picture of how this profession impacts your community today and shapes the possibilities of the future. 

In this one-week course, students will:   

  • Learn how civil engineers are preparing for the future
  • Participate in civil engineering learning activities 
  • Learn and employ mathematical and scientific principles used in civil engineering design
  • Interact with faculty and student researchers at Purdue
  • Experience life as a college student, make friends, and enjoy fun activities

***Due to the generosity of the Lyles School of Civil Engineering, students participating in the 2023 Developing Tomorrow’s Infrastructure: An Introduction to Civil Engineering course will receive funding to cover ½ the cost of tuition and fees. Students will still be responsible for room and board, travel to and from Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus, and the $60.00 application fee or must qualify for an application fee waiver. 

Planning for Research in College: What You Can Do Now

July 9 - July 14, 2023

Credit hours: 1

This course focuses on helping high school students prepare for research experiences they may pursue while in college. Conducting innovative research is a great addition to a college career. College students who engage in research are more likely to graduate, more likely to go on to graduate school, and have more successful careers after graduation. Undergraduate research in any discipline is a first-hand experience with discovering how experts advance knowledge. As undergraduates, students develop valuable skills by engaging in cutting-edge research where they apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems under the guidance of Purdue mentors. Taking the time to prepare for research, before you begin your undergraduate career, can help maximize your Purdue experience.

In this one-week residential course, high school students will:

  • Learn how to prepare for undergraduate research before beginning their college career
  • Develop a list of potential research interests 
  • Create a list of potential research mentors utilizing a variety of techniques in locating on- and off-campus opportunities
  • Tour a few of Purdue’s research spaces from various disciplines 
  • Explore Purdue’s campus, make friends, and enjoy fun activities

Easy as Pi: Pre-Calculus for High School Students (This program is currently full for Summer 2023.)

July 16 - July 21, 2023

Credit hours: 1

In this program, students will maintain connections between algebra and geometry to build a conceptual understanding of functions and the role they play in mathematics.  Students will explore ways to represent and analyze representations of different polynomial functions and consider contexts in which these types of functions are useful for mathematical modeling. They will examine the language and symbols of mathematical functions and how to communicate mathematically.  The experience will be student-centered and engage students as mathematical thinkers and doers. Students will unpack and interrogate interesting ideas about mathematics and solve problems collaboratively. This program is designed for students who will be taking their first high school pre-calculus course in the fall and are not advanced in math.  

***The Lumina Foundation's Herman Rubin Memorial for Initiatives in Education Innovation Fund will cover the cost of the program for Indiana residents selected for the Easy as Pi program. Students are still responsible for the $60 application fee or must qualify for an application fee waiver. 

Empowering Women in Business 

Two options to choose from in 2023! July 16 - July 21 or July 23 - 28

Credit hours: 1

Empowering Women in Business will introduce rising high school juniors and seniors to business careers and equip them with skills that will help them navigate college life as well as future careers. The one-week residential course, targeted for young women, will provide the opportunity to:

  • Explore how their unique talents and interests can lead to a rewarding career in business
  • Create a tool kit to navigate gender challenges by engaging in confidence and empowerment role-plays
  • Experience college life by interacting with Krannert Students, Faculty, and Alumni
  • Apply their imagination to inventing a company

*** Due to the generosity of Krannert School of Management donors, the cost of tuition and fees, and room and board will be reduced to $100 for the students participating in the summer 2023 Empowering Women in Business Course. The students will be responsible for the Application Fee of $60.00, travel to and from Purdue University’s West Lafayette Campus, and final payment of $100.

Fleischer Scholars Program

July 16 - July 21, 2023

Credit hours: 1

In America, you can create your own destiny! The Fleischer Scholars Program teaches Indiana 21st Century Scholars how to think, learn, write, solve problems, be adaptable, and get out of their comfort zone en route to becoming Master Adaptive Learners. Students will also discover career paths in business, financial planning, and entrepreneurship.  Successful completion of the program will result in a college credit from Purdue University and a free laptop.

Thanks to the generous support of Morton and Donna Fleischer, the Fleischer Scholars Program is offered to Indiana 21st Century Scholars at no cost. Students from the Purdue Polytechnic High School system receive preference.

Who is Morton Fleischer? Morton Fleischer is a successful financier, entrepreneur and real estate investor. From his beginnings as a janitor in the local dime store to now, he has formed more than twenty real estate companies, taking three of them public on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

With the Fleischer Scholars Program, his goal is to help more economically disadvantaged students graduate from college and to encourage them to invest their talent back into their hometown communities. He calls this the “multiplier effect” and hopes that these future leaders will serve as role models in their communities.

Ahead of the Curve: Calculus for High School Students

July 23 - July 28, 2023

Credit hours: 1

In this program, students will build on their prior knowledge of functions from algebra and geometry to develop a conceptual understanding of derivatives.  Students will develop an understanding of the beginning concepts of differential calculus using concepts and skills found in secondary algebra and geometry. They will focus on building an understanding of calculus from their existing knowledge of polynomials. They will examine the language and symbols of calculus and how to communicate mathematically. This program will be student-centered and engage students as mathematical thinkers and doers.  Students will work together to unpack and interrogate interesting ideas about mathematics and to solve problems collaboratively. This program is designed for students who will be taking their first high school calculus course in the fall and are not advanced in math. 

***The Lumina Foundation's Herman Rubin Memorial for Initiatives in Education Innovation Fund will cover the cost of the program for Indiana residents selected for the Ahead of the Curve program. Students are still responsible for the $60 application fee or must qualify for an application fee waiver. 

Game On! Philosophical Investigations through Video Games

July 23 - July 28, 2023

Credit hours: 1

Do you replay open world video games repeatedly just to see what the possible outcomes are for your character if you make different choices throughout the game? Have you ever felt distressed by the constraints placed on your character while playing a game, and wondered if you face those same constraints in your life? As you play your favorite video games, do you notice how often you are challenged to determine what the “right” thing to do is? Do you follow the scripted path or go on off on your own, perhaps exploiting glitches and bugs in the game to come to unexpected situations?

In this program you will explore prominent questions in philosophy, from the fundamental i.e. do we have free will? What makes something, like a game, what is it? To those that tug at the deepest concepts of ourselves and our place in the world: for instance, how do we know if we are doing the right thing? What is it that makes us human? Is it language or consciousness or reasoning or something else entirely? Can we—or should we—develop artificial agents that have these human-like qualities? Could such agents be the kinds of things that feel pain, or that possess rights and deserve our respect? All seen through the lens of video games to help inform and prompt discussion and reflection.

The Next Great Idea: Climate Solutions

July 23 - July 28, 2023

Credit hours: 1

In this short course, we'll explore the technologies that will shape our collective solution to the climate crisis in three areas: electricity generation, heavy industry and geoengineering. We'll also be considering three related questions. First, why aren't we seeing these solutions being implemented already? Second, in what ways are technologies and innovations shaped by economics, politics and social norms? Finally, what are your own approaches to climate solutions and how do they relate to approaches being offered by others? At the end of the course you'll have increased your knowledge about critical technologies and also your understanding of how technology and society interact.

Our programs are open to students from all backgrounds and we welcome all students.

1-week, 1-credit Program Cost (All University tuition and fee rates are subject to change without notice.)

Residency Status Tuition and Fees  Room and Board* Application Fee Total
Indiana Resident $347.85 $316.25 $60

$724.10
Domestic Nonresident $948.30 $316.25 $60 $1,324.55
International** $1,018.30 $316.25 $60

$1,394.55

 

1-week, 2-credit Program Cost (All University tuition and fee rates are subject to change without notice.)

Residency Status Tuition and Fees  Room and Board* Application Fee Total
Indiana Resident $695.70 $316.25 $60

$1071.95
Domestic Nonresident $1,896.60 $316.25 $60 $2,272.85
International** $2,036.60 $316.25 $60

$2,412.85

  

*Room and Board includes meals in university dining courts.
**International students must be attending high school in the United States and possess an educational visa.     
***Any funding received for courses will be automatically applied for students who accept their offer of admission to the program.