An academic camp for high school students

June 10-14, 2024 

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

Cost: $500 registration fee + $150 housing fee (optional)

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

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 also have the option to 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

Learn how ‘0’s & ‘1’s operate the entire computer world, and the foundations of computer programming languages.  Topics may include C++, C#, Python, HTML, CSS, Java, Javascript, computer networking, Internet-of-Things, and/or machine learning/AI. Have fun creating your own software applications, and your own website so you can share your creativity with the world. You'll also learn about Christian values and teamwork. Join the world of software, bring your creative ideas, learn and grow spiritually 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! Learn about electrical circuits, programming, 3D computer-aided design, 3D printing, strength and mechanics of materials, motors, batteries, and more. The week will include hands-on project design, building, and testing. You will learn how Christian principles relate to engineering and teamwork, and enjoy evening activities and field trips together with the other students. Explore engineering, build relationships, grow spiritually, and have fun! Join us this year for a Moon versus Mars robotics competition.

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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! Workshop leaders and guest speakers include MTG tournament winners, game designers, and experienced players from the local gaming community. 

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Music & Theatre

Immerse yourself in the creative performing arts! You’ll choose between a track in Music or in Theatre. In the Music track, you’ll take private lessons, sharpen your skills in theory/ear-training classes, explore our state-of-the-art recording studio, and perform in master classes. In the Theatre track, you’ll experience highly interactive classes in acting, improvisation, stage movement, and stage combat. Students in both tracks will get to experience the beauty of the JBU choral tradition by singing together in the Music & Theatre Academy Choir. The academy will conclude with a showcase featuring student performances.

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Pre-Medical Professions

Explore various health professions through an immersive, hands-on experience led by JBU faculty and students. The week will include laboratory experiences using state-of-the-art equipment, tours of labs, and discussions on Christian perspectives important to the medical field. Lab work will include opportunities to explore genetics, cell biology, microbiology, chemistry, and human physiology and anatomy. Tours will include the nursing simulation lab, the analytical chemistry lab and the human cadaver lab. You'll also interact with medical professionals, such as doctors, dentists, nurses, physician assistants, and physical therapists. The academy will conclude with a professional conference-style poster presentation by participants. 

How to register

The (1) registration form and (2) medical and release forms must be completed, signed and returned three weeks before the start of the academy (by May 20).

  1. Submit the online registration form

    Please be prepared to select an academic track and submit a $100 deposit.

  2. Complete and return required medical and release forms

     

Upon submission of the online registration form, you will be provided a link to upload the completed and signed medical information and release forms. You may also email the completed and signed forms to Dawn Bowers (dbowers@jbu.edu) or mail them to JBU at this address:

John Brown University
Attn: Academic Partnerships
2000 W. University St
Siloam Springs, AR 72761

Program details

How much does it cost?

Registration for Summer Academy is $500. Campus housing costs an additional $150. Your registration fee covers all meals, supplies and activities from Monday morning through the end of the academy. The additional $150 housing fee will only be charged to those students staying in a residence hall during the academy.

Is housing provided?

On-campus housing is available for $150. Students will be paired with other Summer Academy students in a residence hall.

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.

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
  • Spending money for evening outings

I have questions. Whom should I contact?

Please contact Dawn Bowers, Director of Academic Partnerships, at dbowers@jbu.edu.

Test-drive a college major

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