Beat the heat with ASU’s youth summer 2024 programs and camps

5 minutes

 

 

What do you think of when you imagine summers growing up? In Arizona, they are filled with air conditioning and endless math workbooks, trying your best to beat that draining desert heat. Now, thanks to Access ASU’s unique Summer Youth Programs, K-12 students can enjoy their summer by participating in immersive camps on campus and learn more about college readiness instead. 

Through these specialized summer sessions, students engage in academic enrichment activities and before graduating from high school. There is something of interest for everyone, with classes ranging from distinguished honors programs to valuable leadership and service-based opportunities. 

Quintin Boyce, the associate vice president of outreach for Access ASU, spoke about the value of engaging with these summer camps. 

“Our team has officially launched information and applications for over 30 enriching ASU summer camps,” Boyce said. “There is truly something for every passion. Don't miss out on this opportunity to spark confidence and growth in your academic journey and register today before seats fill up.” 

CÉSAR E. CHÁVEZ LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE SUMMER PROGRAM

Just one of the many summer camps offered is the César E. Chávez Leadership Institute Summer Program. In this residential experience, Arizona high school students entering their junior or senior year learn hands-on about the importance of service. Outside of their summer course, the César E. Chávez Leadership Institute offers programming and workshops throughout the academic year. 

Victoria Esperanza, César E. Chávez Leadership Institute program coordinator,  at Access ASU, discussed the social structure of their camp. 

“Our program is directed toward Hispanic and Latinx voices, all are welcome and encouraged to apply,” Esperanza said. “Our students are divided into ‘familias,’ and they get really close to one another.” 

At the center of this summer program is a dedication to volunteer work and service, teaching students how to step into leadership roles through philanthropy. Last summer, the institute partnered with St. Vincent de Paul in the greater Phoenix area. This upcoming summer, programmers are looking to connect students with opportunities at Feed My Starving Children. 

“We try to connect them to the community  and teach about leadership,” Esperanza said. “Our workshops are opportunities for them to grow and develop individually, understanding their personal identities, while also connecting to the Hispanic and Latinx community.” Camp applications close on Apr 1, 2024.

BARRETT SUMMER SCHOLARS

One of the other remarkable camps offered this summer is Barrett Summer Scholars, a program across all four ASU campuses where academically motivated students can engage with honors faculty and instructors. These students live in the dorm halls at Barrett, the Honors College, and engage with learning materials to help them prepare for a future honors education at ASU. 

David Stempfle, the director of campus experiences for Access ASU, spoke about the specific expectations for Barrett Summer Scholars. 

“We work in conjunction with Barrett, the Honors College to bring students in to get a feel for what it would be like to be a Barrett student,” Stemfle said. “We invite students who are interested, really motivated and curious about the Barrett experience.” 

Instructors at Barrett Summer Scholars adjust material from an honors course called the Human Event to fit the age range of ninth through 12th-grade students. Simultaneously, summer camp participants are registered for elective courses to see what programs they may be interested in pursuing as college students. 

“We give them an opportunity to choose an elective course they might have an interest in,” Stempfle said. 

Participants can also nurture and develop lasting connections with both peers and honors instructors throughout the summer program. These relationships will go on to serve students during their future careers at Barrett, the Honors College. Applications close Mar 24, 2024.

“Aside from developing some sort of rapport with the instructors, whether they be professors or graduate students, I think it’s also important for them to picture themselves in that space,” Cavan said. “It allows them to see what it’s like to live in a dorm and have a roommate, too.” 

RISE SUMMER LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE SUMMER PROGRAM

Another summer program applicants should consider is the RISE Summer Leadership Institute Summer Program. RISE is a residential college readiness program supporting Black and African American students entering ninth through 12th grade. A specific focus of this camp is enhancing college attainment rates, ultimately leading to graduation and further education opportunities. 

Honestine Mbuyenge, the program coordinator for the RISE Leadership Institute at Access ASU, explained the significance of their summer camp. 

“We try to incorporate Black and African American professionals and lecturers so that they are aware of the community that is here,” Mbuyenge said. “That way, when they come to ASU, they already see themselves represented at the university level.” 

Much like the César E. Chávez Leadership Institute, RISE offers year-long programming for students to engage with outside of their summer camp. 

“The last workshop we had in February was for Black History Month,” Mbuyenge said. “We looked into Black and African-American innovators and inventors that are unknown or were forgotten. They developed these terrific inventions that went unnoticed.” 

While the program centers on the experiences of Black and African American students, all students are welcome to apply. During their time at the RISE camp, students engage in a curriculum that incorporates and celebrates Black culture, as well as workshops that range from college readiness to cultural connections. 

“A lot of the students come from predominantly white institutions, so most of them are probably the only Black person in their class,” Mbuyenge said. “They get that sense of community here. You are in a space with people who look like you and have similar interests.” 

Registration for some of these camps closes as early as March 24, so be sure to apply as soon as possible. To explore all of the invaluable experiences and summer camps offered by Access ASU, click this link.