IU Northwest’s free Kids College returns June 8-12

Kids College, a dynamic one-week, on-campus summer enrichment program designed to inspire and empower middle school students — especially those from historically underrepresented and low-income backgrounds — is returning to Indiana University Northwest.

Kids College will run June 8-12, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The theme this year is “New Generation Academy: Inspiring Minds, Igniting Future.” With a future-oriented, hands-on and leadership-driven approach, the program aims to help students build confidence, develop leadership skills and express their creativity as they explore a variety of career pathways in a supportive and engaging environment.

Participants will choose one of four “majors,” led by IU Northwest faculty, staff, students and local community partners:

• Paging Dr. You! Junior Medical Academy — Explore the exciting world of medicine in this hands-on workshop! Participants will dive into interactive science lab activities, learn essential first aid skills and discover what it takes to care for others in real-world healthcare settings. Students will also put their creativity to the test by designing innovative solutions to challenges in the healthcare industry.
• Content & Change: Social Media Academy — Discover how to use your voice to make an impact in this engaging, hands-on workshop combining social media and advocacy! Participants will explore the powerful connection between technology and civic engagement by using social media tools to raise awareness and inspire change.
• Sound & Steps: Junior Performing Arts Academy — Step into the spotlight in this dynamic, hands-on performing arts workshop! Participants will explore the exciting world of music, singing and dance through engaging, interactive activities that build confidence and creativity.
• Law & Order: Junior Justice Academy — Step into the world of law and justice with this exciting hands-on workshop! Participants will explore real-world legal careers through interactive experiences such as mock trials, introductory crime scene investigations and engaging activities that build communication and debate skills.

Included in the curriculum for all students:

Cursive Academy
Students will discover the art of cursive writing while building strong handwriting skills and exploring how this timeless form of communication connects with today’s digital world.

Geek Squad Academy
Students at Geek Squad Academy, guided by local Best Buy experts, become “Junior Agents,” exploring cutting-edge technology through hands-on activities like coding, game design, photography, 3D design, digital music and more.

Eligibility & Registration
Capacity is limited to 70 students on a first-come, first-served basis who meet the eligibility requirements: students receiving free/reduced-price lunch who are enrolling in the sixth, seventh or eighth grade at the start of the fall 2026 academic year. Registration closes May 25.

Kids College is funded by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its initiative, Indiana Youth Programs on Campus. The purpose of the grant is to “help address Indiana’s unacceptably low rankings in the percentage of its adult population with a bachelor’s degree or a meaningful postsecondary credential and to help increase the higher education enrollment and success of traditionally underserved students, including students of color, first-generation college students and students from families with limited resources.”

If you have additional questions, contact the IU Northwest Kids College team at kciun@iu.edu or 219-980-7299.