Registration Open!
2025 Summer Academies
About Summer Pre-College Academies
SFU Summer Pre-College Academies are one-week, residential, immersive programs designed to empower students with the tools and resources needed to excel in college while exploring future career pathways.
These programs are open to high school students entering grades 10, 11, or 12 in the Fall 2025. Spending almost a full week on campus allows students to explore our beautiful campus and experience college life to its fullest extent.
Academy participants will live in a college residence hall with SFU Student Mentors. The mentors are selected based on their academic expertise and their maturity and experience mentoring younger students. SFU Student Mentors will mentor the participants in and out of the classroom to support the goals of the summer academies and to provide the students with an excellent experience.
Discover the right academy for you!
View full descriptions below.
June 22-25, 2025
- Bridging Minds: The Interdisciplinary Impact of Concussions on Public Health, Social Work, Psychology, and Education
- Pre-Med
- Chemistry
- Creative Writing
- Theatre Games and Actors
July 6-9, 2025
- Exploring Health, Wellness and Disability through the Health Sciences
- Animal Ecology
- Computer Science & Cybersecurity
- Environmental Science and Engineering
- Experience A World of Arts
- Spanish
CPR Certification is available but optional for participants in all academies and sessions. It will be offered outside of standard class time for an additional cost.
Cost & Discounts
- Full experience: $649 ( includes all instruction materials, plus all housing and meals on our beautiful campus)
- Commuter Rate: $399
- Employee Dependents Discounts: $549 full experience/$349 commuter
- Sibling Discounts: 20% off for multiple children from the same family attending an academy or for the siblings of a current traditional undergraduate SFU student
- Multiple Academies Discount: 20% off the second academy
- CPR Certification (optional): $40
College Scholarship: $1,000/year SFU scholarship (up to four years) available for eligible participants who enroll as a full time SFU student within 28 months of high school graduation.
For more information:
Email: SummerAcademy@francis.edu
Phone: Leona Horner, 814-472-3245
2025 Academy Descriptions
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Bridging Minds: The Interdisciplinary Impact of Concussions on Public Health, Social Work, Psychology, and Education
June 22-25, 2025
Concussions present a complex public health issue that requires an interdisciplinary approach for effective prevention, treatment, and long-term support. This session explores how public health, social work, psychology, and education professionals can collaborate to address the multifaceted impacts of concussions. By bridging gaps between disciplines, the session will highlight integrated strategies for prevention, mental health care, and educational accommodations. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how each field contributes to a comprehensive response to concussions, improving outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.
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Pre-Med
June 22-25, 2025
Modern medicine is built upon the biological sciences. Immerse yourself in the scientific basis of medicine through explorations in physiology, anatomy, and neuroscience. Participants in the academy will dig deep into understanding how diseases are discovered and diagnosed, how different human anatomical systems work, and how the nervous system's capabilities are determined by its physical and electrical properties.
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Chemistry
June 22-25, 2025
Have you ever wondered what a forensic chemist does? How your chemistry teacher learned so much about elements? Can you turn your knowledge of chemistry into a career? Through our summer academy, we will show you the exciting avenues that are open to someone with a chemistry major! Not only will you have the opportunity to conduct experiments and hands-on activities relevant to cutting-edge jobs, but you will also hear from SFU graduates who have turned their chemistry education into a career. Together, we will explore various tracks through which you can become a pharmacist, chemistry teacher, medical doctor, environmental, nano, forensic, or fermentation researcher.
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Creative Writing
June 22-25, 2025
Welcome to a creative writing workshop where your imagination takes center stage and your stories come to life! Dive into a world of endless possibilities as you join fellow wordsmiths in an invigorating environment designed to spark your creativity and hone your craft. In this workshop, you’ll unlock new writing techniques, explore different genres, and discover unique voices—yours included. Whether you’re crafting a gripping mystery, a heartfelt memoir, or a whimsical fantasy, you’ll receive constructive feedback from both peers and mentors, pushing your writing to new heights. Interactive discussions and creative brainstorming sessions will fuel your ideas, while free writing time allows your thoughts to flow freely. And as you share your work in a supportive and encouraging setting, you’ll witness the magic of collaboration and the thrill of seeing your words come to life. Leave with a newfound sense of confidence, a collection of polished pieces, and the joy of having connected with fellow writers. This isn’t just a workshop—it’s an adventure into the heart of storytelling. So, grab your pen and let your creativity soar!
-
Theatre Games and Actors
June 22-25, 2025
We theatre folk are often so focused on the production we’re working on that we don’t get time to play and experiment in the theatre. This academy is focused on doing exactly that—playing and experimenting. Through improv exercises—theatre games as well as exercises based on the Stanislavski System and the Michael Chekhov Technique of acting—we will spend the academy playing and honing our skills in teamwork, thinking on our feet, using our bodies more expressively, and more! Our academy will be capped with an improv show for other STEAM Academy participants and families.
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Exploring Health, Wellness, and Disability through the Health Sciences
July 6-9, 2025
Learn about the fields of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant, Nursing and Exercise Physiology and their influence on the health, wellness, and disability of populations. Students attending will learn about human anatomy, effects of exercise, disability awareness, environmental adaptations, and basic health care skills, and many other engaging and hands-on activities in our state-of-the-art Experiential Learning Commons, simulation center and Research Innovation Lab.
- CPR Certification is available but optional - cost additional $40.
-
Animal Ecology
July 6-9, 2025
Explore the interactions between animals and their environment with a variety of hands-on laboratory and field exercises involving birds, fish, dragonflies, and other organisms. How does habitat affect animal feeding rates? What determines animal body temperature? How does pollution affect animal distribution? In this academy, participants will also investigate potential career pathways involving zoology and animal ecology.
-
Computer Science and Cybersecurity
July 6-9, 2025
Catch a cyber criminal in the act! Conduct a hands-on digital forensic investigation to uncover malicious activity. You'll also learn how to protect critical government or healthcare data and what to do when enemy countries attack our cyber infrastructure.
-
Environmental Science and Engineering
July 6-9, 2025
Clean water is essential for life. However, it is estimated that by the year 2030, 1.6 billion people in the world will lack clean drinking water. In this academy, students will learn about these challenges and what a career in water reclamation looks like. Along the way, students will get to act like environmental scientists and engineers, learning how use math, science, and technology to protect and restore water resources.
-
Experience A World of Arts
July 6-9, 2025
Come ready to play! In this academy, you will rotate through a series of activities in the arts. Zentangle drawing is a way to practice focused art meditation through drawing by using repetitive lines, marks, circles, and shapes to calm anxious mind, increase self-confidence, and cultivate mindfulness. You will “Set the Mood” while acting in developing atmospheres onstage, demonstrating how a single character relates to an environment very differently from any other character while sharing the same overall mood. Through rhythm tubes and hand drumming, improve your mood, relieve stress, increase mental focus, and build social connections through musical social games.
-
Spanish
July 6-9, 2025
As the Spanish-speaking population grows in our society, there is an increase in demand for bilingual professionals in our workforce: from business to education, to health sciences and everything in between. Immerse yourself in the field of Latin American Studies in order to understand not just the language but the worldview of this growing population. We will explore language, culture, history, politics, and religion through the lens of language learning.
June 22-25, 2025
Concussions present a complex public health issue that requires an interdisciplinary approach for effective prevention, treatment, and long-term support. This session explores how public health, social work, psychology, and education professionals can collaborate to address the multifaceted impacts of concussions. By bridging gaps between disciplines, the session will highlight integrated strategies for prevention, mental health care, and educational accommodations. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how each field contributes to a comprehensive response to concussions, improving outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.
June 22-25, 2025
Modern medicine is built upon the biological sciences. Immerse yourself in the scientific basis of medicine through explorations in physiology, anatomy, and neuroscience. Participants in the academy will dig deep into understanding how diseases are discovered and diagnosed, how different human anatomical systems work, and how the nervous system's capabilities are determined by its physical and electrical properties.
June 22-25, 2025
Have you ever wondered what a forensic chemist does? How your chemistry teacher learned so much about elements? Can you turn your knowledge of chemistry into a career? Through our summer academy, we will show you the exciting avenues that are open to someone with a chemistry major! Not only will you have the opportunity to conduct experiments and hands-on activities relevant to cutting-edge jobs, but you will also hear from SFU graduates who have turned their chemistry education into a career. Together, we will explore various tracks through which you can become a pharmacist, chemistry teacher, medical doctor, environmental, nano, forensic, or fermentation researcher.
June 22-25, 2025
Welcome to a creative writing workshop where your imagination takes center stage and your stories come to life! Dive into a world of endless possibilities as you join fellow wordsmiths in an invigorating environment designed to spark your creativity and hone your craft. In this workshop, you’ll unlock new writing techniques, explore different genres, and discover unique voices—yours included. Whether you’re crafting a gripping mystery, a heartfelt memoir, or a whimsical fantasy, you’ll receive constructive feedback from both peers and mentors, pushing your writing to new heights. Interactive discussions and creative brainstorming sessions will fuel your ideas, while free writing time allows your thoughts to flow freely. And as you share your work in a supportive and encouraging setting, you’ll witness the magic of collaboration and the thrill of seeing your words come to life. Leave with a newfound sense of confidence, a collection of polished pieces, and the joy of having connected with fellow writers. This isn’t just a workshop—it’s an adventure into the heart of storytelling. So, grab your pen and let your creativity soar!
June 22-25, 2025
We theatre folk are often so focused on the production we’re working on that we don’t get time to play and experiment in the theatre. This academy is focused on doing exactly that—playing and experimenting. Through improv exercises—theatre games as well as exercises based on the Stanislavski System and the Michael Chekhov Technique of acting—we will spend the academy playing and honing our skills in teamwork, thinking on our feet, using our bodies more expressively, and more! Our academy will be capped with an improv show for other STEAM Academy participants and families.
July 6-9, 2025
Learn about the fields of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant, Nursing and Exercise Physiology and their influence on the health, wellness, and disability of populations. Students attending will learn about human anatomy, effects of exercise, disability awareness, environmental adaptations, and basic health care skills, and many other engaging and hands-on activities in our state-of-the-art Experiential Learning Commons, simulation center and Research Innovation Lab.
- CPR Certification is available but optional - cost additional $40.
July 6-9, 2025
Explore the interactions between animals and their environment with a variety of hands-on laboratory and field exercises involving birds, fish, dragonflies, and other organisms. How does habitat affect animal feeding rates? What determines animal body temperature? How does pollution affect animal distribution? In this academy, participants will also investigate potential career pathways involving zoology and animal ecology.
July 6-9, 2025
Catch a cyber criminal in the act! Conduct a hands-on digital forensic investigation to uncover malicious activity. You'll also learn how to protect critical government or healthcare data and what to do when enemy countries attack our cyber infrastructure.
July 6-9, 2025
Clean water is essential for life. However, it is estimated that by the year 2030, 1.6 billion people in the world will lack clean drinking water. In this academy, students will learn about these challenges and what a career in water reclamation looks like. Along the way, students will get to act like environmental scientists and engineers, learning how use math, science, and technology to protect and restore water resources.
July 6-9, 2025
Come ready to play! In this academy, you will rotate through a series of activities in the arts. Zentangle drawing is a way to practice focused art meditation through drawing by using repetitive lines, marks, circles, and shapes to calm anxious mind, increase self-confidence, and cultivate mindfulness. You will “Set the Mood” while acting in developing atmospheres onstage, demonstrating how a single character relates to an environment very differently from any other character while sharing the same overall mood. Through rhythm tubes and hand drumming, improve your mood, relieve stress, increase mental focus, and build social connections through musical social games.
July 6-9, 2025
As the Spanish-speaking population grows in our society, there is an increase in demand for bilingual professionals in our workforce: from business to education, to health sciences and everything in between. Immerse yourself in the field of Latin American Studies in order to understand not just the language but the worldview of this growing population. We will explore language, culture, history, politics, and religion through the lens of language learning.
How to Register:
We accept applications from rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school who are in good academic standing. Select your session(s) and review the application process instructions below.
Application Deadline
All completed applications must be submitted no later than May 12, 2025.
Application Process
- High school transcript (unofficial transcripts will be accepted - you may upload yourself, or submit your school's email to upload)
- Academies will only run if a minimum number of students enroll. If a student's first choice does not run, participants will be offered a place in a different academy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Acceptance Process
When will applicants hear about their application status?
Summer Academy applicants will receive notice via email 1-2 weeks after submitting application, transcripts, and payment.
Is there a waitlist?
Yes. Students are accepted into the Summer Academies based upon the materials in their application packet the maximum number of participants has been reached. As seats in programs become available, we will work through the waitlist to fill the cohort. If a seat in the students’ first choice program is not available, a seat will be offered in an alternate program.
What are the acceptance packets and why are they important?
Once a student is accepted into the Summer Academies, they will be sent an acceptance packet via email. The email will contain instructions on completing the necessary forms, along with due dates. Failing to return the completed forms along with the balance due by the due date will result in the student declining their acceptance into the program. Students who have not completed and returned their forms and balance due will not be permitted to attend any aspect of the academy
What is the deadline to return the acceptance packet?
Acceptance packets, including all completed forms and payment of balance due, MUST be received by Friday, June 6, 2025.
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Preparing for Saint Francis University
Are textbooks or a laptop required?
No. Students will be provided with required course materials and a laptop, if necessary, to use during their participation in the program.
Is there a dress code?
Jeans, shorts, and t-shirts can be worn for most of the program instruction and activities. Some academies with lab components may require long pants, shirts with sleeves, and closed toed shoes. Additional details on attire will be provided when acceptance is offered.
Do students need to have spending money?
Summer Academy students may want to bring some spending money with them. The campus bookstore will be open and there are snack and soda machines around campus that students may want to purchase from. Additionally, the group may take a recreational field trip to a local park or sporting event.
Do students need to bring their own bedding?
Yes, students do need to bring their own linens.
Are residence halls air-conditioned?
No. It is recommended that Summer Academy students bring a fan.
Do students need to bring food?
Summer Academy students may want to bring snacks, though breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided.
Do the dorms have refrigerators?
The dorm rooms do not have refrigerators. The residence hall does have a refrigerator accessible to everyone.
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Arrival & Departure Details
What time is check-in/check-out?
Summer Academy students are to arrive on campus the Sunday of the start of the program between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
Check out/Farewell will take place on the last day of the academy at 2:00 pm where families are invited to celebrate student's accomplishments in the academy.
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While on Campus
Are students permitted to stay overnight off-campus with family or friends?
No. Summer Academy students are required to live on campus in the designated residence hall or commute from their permanent home addresses.
Will students have access to a fitness facility or pool on campus?
No. The fitness facility and pool will not be accessible to the students unless it is part of a planned event with the Mentors.
When will applicants hear about their application status?
Summer Academy applicants will receive notice via email 1-2 weeks after submitting application, transcripts, and payment.
Is there a waitlist?
Yes. Students are accepted into the Summer Academies based upon the materials in their application packet the maximum number of participants has been reached. As seats in programs become available, we will work through the waitlist to fill the cohort. If a seat in the students’ first choice program is not available, a seat will be offered in an alternate program.
What are the acceptance packets and why are they important?
Once a student is accepted into the Summer Academies, they will be sent an acceptance packet via email. The email will contain instructions on completing the necessary forms, along with due dates. Failing to return the completed forms along with the balance due by the due date will result in the student declining their acceptance into the program. Students who have not completed and returned their forms and balance due will not be permitted to attend any aspect of the academy
What is the deadline to return the acceptance packet?
Acceptance packets, including all completed forms and payment of balance due, MUST be received by Friday, June 6, 2025.
Are textbooks or a laptop required?
No. Students will be provided with required course materials and a laptop, if necessary, to use during their participation in the program.
Is there a dress code?
Jeans, shorts, and t-shirts can be worn for most of the program instruction and activities. Some academies with lab components may require long pants, shirts with sleeves, and closed toed shoes. Additional details on attire will be provided when acceptance is offered.
Do students need to have spending money?
Summer Academy students may want to bring some spending money with them. The campus bookstore will be open and there are snack and soda machines around campus that students may want to purchase from. Additionally, the group may take a recreational field trip to a local park or sporting event.
Do students need to bring their own bedding?
Yes, students do need to bring their own linens.
Are residence halls air-conditioned?
No. It is recommended that Summer Academy students bring a fan.
Do students need to bring food?
Summer Academy students may want to bring snacks, though breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided.
Do the dorms have refrigerators?
The dorm rooms do not have refrigerators. The residence hall does have a refrigerator accessible to everyone.
What time is check-in/check-out?
Summer Academy students are to arrive on campus the Sunday of the start of the program between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
Check out/Farewell will take place on the last day of the academy at 2:00 pm where families are invited to celebrate student's accomplishments in the academy.
Are students permitted to stay overnight off-campus with family or friends?
No. Summer Academy students are required to live on campus in the designated residence hall or commute from their permanent home addresses.
Will students have access to a fitness facility or pool on campus?
No. The fitness facility and pool will not be accessible to the students unless it is part of a planned event with the Mentors.