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2024 Summer Academies

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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 2024.  Spending almost a full week on campus allows students to explore our beautiful campus and  experience college life to its fullest extent.  


Discover the right academy for you!

2024 Academies

  • Helping our Communities through Education and Human Services:
    Empowering Minds for Social Change (June 24-27, 2024)
  • STEAM Pre-Med and Life Sciences, Chemistry,
    and Literature and Languages (June 24-27, 2024)
  • Exploring Health, Wellness and Disability through the Health Sciences (July 8-11, 2024)
  • Exploring STEAM Ecology, Computer Science and Cybersecurity,
    Engineering, and Fine Arts (July 8-11, 2024)

For more information:

Email: SummerAcademy@francis.edu

Phone: Leona Horner, 814-472-3245

 

2024 Academies Descriptions

  • Helping our Communities through Education and Human Services: Empowering Minds for Social Change

    June 24-27, 2024

    Learn about the fields of Education, Social Work, Public Health and Psychology, and how professionals in these fields use their expert knowledge and training to help people with a wide spectrum of needs. Using engaging and hands on activities, students attending will learn about the social determinants of health set forth and how each of these areas (Education Access and Quality, Social and Community Contexts, Neighborhoods and Built Environment, Health Care Access and Quality and Economic Stability) affect people's ability to lead healthy, quality lives. Excellent for students interested in social justice, healthy neighborhoods, safe housing, nutrition, and food access, and building language and literacy skills.

     

     

  • STEAM Pre-Med and Life Sciences, Chemistry, and Literature and Languages

    June 24-27, 2024

    Learn how professionals in these fields use their broad education to move into professions working with and helping people. Life science activities will investigate careers in medicine through activities in human anatomy, molecular biology, and neuroscience. For chemistry, you will engage in activities in environmental, fermentation, forensic, and nano chemistry; learn how to be a chemistry teacher, pharmacist, or physician. And in Literature and Languages, immerse yourself in creative writing, literature, and language through the analysis and creation of visual, audio, linguistic, and multi-modal/video texts. 

  • Exploring Health, Wellness and Disability through the Health Sciences

    July 8-11, 2024

    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.

  • Exploring STEAM Ecology, Computer Science and Cybersecurity, Engineering, and Fine Arts

    July 8-11, 2024

    Immerse yourself into the STEAM fields through intriguing applications and learn how professionals in these fields use their education and training to improve life for everyone.  For ecology, students will 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. In the computer science and cybersecurity academy, you will conduct a hands-on digital forensic investigation to learn to protect critical government or healthcare data and what to do when enemy countries attack our cyber infrastructure. You will use math, science, and technology to act as environmental scientists and engineers protecting and restoring scarce water resources to protect the 1.6 billion people in the world who are projected to lack clean drinking water by the year 2030. Experience a world of arts and come ready to play in the arts with Zentangle drawing to practice focused art meditation and acting to develop atmospheres onstage and build social connections through musical games using rhythm tubes and hand drumming.


Important Information


Cost: $649, which includes all instruction materials, plus all housing and meals on our beautiful campus. 

 

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.

 

Note: 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 or their deposit will be refunded.

Application Process

  1. To apply,  write a single paragraph explaining why would you like to participate in the summer academy at Saint Francis University.
  2. High school transcript (unofficial transcripts will be accepted - you may upload yourself, or submit your school's email to upload)
  3. Teacher recommendation letter (you will enter your teacher's email in the application and they will receive an email from us with the request)
  4. Non-refundable application fee of $25 is required (to complete your application)

Registration Opening Soon!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the academic value that students receive?

    Selected students will be provided with room and board, all course supplies and materials (up to a $2,000 value). 

  • How are students introduced to the college experience?

    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.

  • The Application Process - Who is eligible to apply to Saint Francis University Summer STEAM Academies?

    We accept applications from rising juniors and seniors (currently sophomores or juniors that will be juniors or seniors the school year following the summer academy) in high school who are in good academic standing.

  • The Application Process - When is the application deadline?

    All completed applications must be submitted no later than April 15, 2023 at https://www.francis.edu/STEM-Summer-Academies/

  • The Acceptance Process - When will applicants hear about their application status?

    Summer STEAM Academy applicants will receive notice via email of their application status by May 13, 2023.

  • The Acceptance Process - What if a student is notified that they are on the waiting list?

    Students are accepted into the Summer Pre-College Academies based upon the materials in their application packet (application form, letter of recommendation, transcript, etc.). After reviewing the applications, the selection committee ranks the students who qualify for acceptance into the program. Those students are then assigned a slot in the program by their ranking until the maximum number has been reached. If a student who was assigned to the program does not complete their acceptance documents and submit the balance due by the due date provided, they decline their position and their slot is then offered to the next person on the waiting list.

  • The Acceptance Process - What are the acceptance packets and why are they important?

    Once a student is accepted into one of the Summer Academies they will be notified via email by June 5, 2023. Followed by an acceptance packet via email, the student will be provided with further instructions on completing the necessary forms and submitting them by the due date provided. 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. The student's slot will then be given to the next student on the waiting list. Students who have not completed and returned their forms and balance due will not be permitted to enter or stay in Saint Francis University housing or attend any aspect of the academy.

  • The Acceptance Process - What is the deadline to return the acceptance packet?

    Acceptance packets (including all completed forms and payment of balance due) MUST be received by June 5, 2023. Failing to return the acceptance packet will result in the student declining their acceptance into the program. The student's slot will then be given to the next student on the waiting list.

  • Preparing for Saint Francis University - Is a laptop computer required?

    No.  Summer STEAM Academy students will be provided with a laptop to use during their participation in the program.  The laptop will be set up for each student to use with all of the software needed while attending the academy.

  • Preparing for Saint Francis University - Is there a dress code?

    Jeans, shorts and tee-shirts can be worn for most of the program instruction and activities.  Long pants, shirts with sleeves, and closed-toe shoes will be required for labs. The Summer STEAM Academies require that students pack closed-toe shoes and pants they do not mind getting wet or dirty.

  • Preparing for Saint Francis University - Will students need to purchase books?

    All course materials and supplies are included in the program fee.  The student will not be required to purchase books or course materials while they are participating in the Summer STEAM Academy.

  • Preparing for Saint Francis University - Do students need to have spending money?

    Summer STEAM Academy students may want to bring some spending money with them.  The campus bookstore will be open and available for students to purchase items.  There are also snack and soda machines around campus that students may want to purchase from. 

     

    Occasionally the group will agree to 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, the residence halls are not air-conditioned. It is recommended that Summer STEAM Academy students bring a fan.

  • Preparing for Saint Francis University - Do students need to bring food?

    Summer STEAM Academy students may want to bring snacks, though breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided.  The mentors will have a small amount of snacks for the students to enjoy throughout the week.  Students may bring their own snacks.

  • Do the dorms have refrigerators?

    The dorm rooms do not have refrigerators. The residence hall does have a refrigerator accessible to everyone.

  • Preparing for Saint Francis University - What if a student has an allergy or needs to take a certain medication?

    List all allergies of the student and any medication they take on the Medical and Emergency Contact form included in the acceptance packet.  The student will be responsible for securing and taking their medication during their participation in the Summer STEAM Academy.

  • Preparing for Saint Francis University - What time is check-in/check-out?

    Summer STEAM Academy students are to arrive on campus the Sunday of the start of the program between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm. A short informational session about the program with instructor, mentors, and student introductions will take place around 4:00 pm with light refreshments. Students will be able to settle into their dorm room and return to the check-in area before 4:00 pm. The Summer STEAM Academy students will have pizza provided to them later that evening. 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. Students will give a brief presentation on their projects for the week. Detailed information will be provided in the acceptance packet.

  • Preparing for Saint Francis University - What is the extent of supervision that students receive?

    All students are closely supervised by their assigned Summer STEAM Academy Mentor. Mentors live in the residence halls with the high school students, arrange evening activities, help the students find their way around campus, and assist the academy instructors. A non-undergraduate adult is also in the residence hall between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

  • While on Campus - Are students permitted to commute to campus or stay overnight off-campus with family or friends?

    No. Summer STEAM Academy students are required to live on campus and in the designated residence hall. Housing is required for all participating students and is included in the program fee. Students are required to stay on campus during the entirety of the program as they will be participating in group activities or working on group projects and/or evening assignments. Requests for students to leave campus to participate in other activities will be denied.

  • Will students have access to a fitness facility or pool on campus?

    The fitness facility and pool will not be accessible to the students. The Summer STEAM Academy students have a full schedule that begins with breakfast at 8:00 a.m. and continues into the evening hours. The students will be required to work on group projects or after class assignments most evenings. The Mentors will also have group activities planned in the evening hours.

  • Preparing for Saint Francis University - Can I earn a scholarship?

    At completion of the academy, participants are eligible for a $4,000 Scholarship ($1,000/year over 4 years) if enrolling as a full time SFU student within 28 months of high school graduation.

  • Preparing for Saint Francis University - Can I earn more than one scholarship?

    No, only one scholarship per student will be awarded at the completion of the academy. If you attend academies two years in a row, you are still only eligible for one scholarship.

  • Preparing for Saint Francis University - How can I stay in touch with the instructors, other students, and Saint Francis University?

    There are a variety of ways to reconnect with everyone involved in the program including Facebook, email, and the Saint Francis University website.  Like the following pages of interest on Facebook: