Is your high schooler interested in STEM but short on opportunities to explore it? Back for its second year, the Explore USI Summer Series is designed with busy families in mind! The Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education at the University of Southern Indiana invites students in grades 9–12 to join our two‑day STEM mini‑camps offered throughout June and July 2026. These hands‑on sessions give participants a chance to experience collegiate-level STEM coursework, explore majors within our college, connect with USI faculty and industry partners, and gain confidence as they prepare for their future academic journey. Registration opens April 1, 2026. Space is limited and filled on a first‑come, first‑served basis upon payment. Secure your student’s spot in one or more camps to help them make informed decisions about their college and career path!
This interactive, hands-on program gives students a genuine preview of life as a USI Chemistry/Biochemistry major. On the first day, they will tour state-of-the-art facilities and instrumentation used for both student learning and advanced research, then participate in a real general chemistry laboratory experiment similar to those in college courses. The second day includes an overview of major pathways and courses, followed by the opportunity to select, prepare, and practice a chemical demonstration. The camp concludes with a student-led demo show where participants present their chosen experiments—family and friends are welcome to attend and watch!
Discussions with current USI students, recent graduates, industry professionals, and advanced-degree candidates provide insights into college pathways and careers in chemistry, biochemistry, and related fields such as pharmaceuticals, research, and medicine. With a small group size, the camp fosters academic confidence, offers a clear look at university-level STEM study, and lets high schooler students actively engage with chemistry concepts in a supportive environment. It is a perfect way for them to explore these exciting majors and potential career directions through real, hands-on experiences.
Date: June 2 - 3, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Science Center, University of Southern Indiana
Leader: Dr. Jake Lutter
Registration Fee: $75 (includes lunch and t-shirt)
Capacity: 24 students*
Course Number: ESTEM009
Deadline to Register: May 19, 2026
This session is a two-day immersive experience designed to introduce incoming 9th grade students to a variety of exciting STEM career pathways. Through engaging, hands-on activities, participants will explore key disciplines including chemistry, engineering, geology, and biology, gaining insight into how these fields connect to real-world applications and future careers.
Campers will work alongside university staff and educators to conduct experiments, solve problems, and think like scientists and engineers. These interactive activities are designed to create curiosity, build confidence, and help students begin envisioning themselves in STEM-related roles.
In addition to lab-based learning, students will participate in a question-and-answer session with an academic advisor, providing valuable information about high school preparation, college pathways, and STEM degree options. Participants will also tour the Applied Engineering Center, where they will see innovative technology and equipment used by USI students and faculty.
By the end of the camp, students will leave with a greater understanding of STEM opportunities, a stronger sense of direction for their academic journey, and inspiration to pursue their interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Date: June 4 - 5, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Science Center, University of Southern Indiana
Leader: Evan Rebar
Registration Fee: $75 (includes lunch and t-shirt)
Capacity: 24 students*
Course Number: ESTEM015
Deadline to Register: May 21, 2026
This hands-on program introduces high school students to the world of statistics and data science through interactive activities. They will see how data reveals patterns and insights, collect and analyze real information (including anonymous data about themselves), work with probability concepts, experiment with basic coding and data visualization, and complete creative problem-solving tasks that strengthen logical thinking and communication.
Discussions with current USI students, faculty , and industry professionals offer valuable perspectives on college pathways and careers in data-related fields. held in a small-group format, the sessions build academic confidence, encourages exploration of STEM majors, and provides a clear, engaging introduction to what studying statistics at the university level involves. It is an excellent opportunity for high school students to investigate potential career directions while actively working with data.
Date: June 9 - 10, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Science Center, University of Southern Indiana
Leader: Dr. Rick Hudson and Dr. Heather Cook
Registration Fee: $75 (includes lunch and t-shirt)
Capacity: 20 students*
Course Number: ESTEM010
Deadline to Register: May 26, 2026
This engaging, hands-on program shows students how mathematics applies to real-world challenges far beyond the classroom. Using tools like GeoGebra, participants tackle intriguing investigations -- such as recovering sunken treasure with geometry, optimizing package packing, analyzing voting systems and election methods, and discovering winning strategies in simple games. These activities showcase how math is a powerful tool for solving practical problems.
Discussions with current US students and recent graduates highlight diverse career paths for math majors campus life, and how USI [prepares students for success. The camp includes a campus tour to explore scenic trails and math department resources. Students work in small groups to build confidence, make connections, and gain an authentic introduction to university-level mathematical sciences in a supportive, interactive environment. It is an excellent opportunity for high schoolers to discover the excitement of math and explore potential majors and careers through creative, real-world applications.
Date: June 16 - 17, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Science Center, University of Southern Indiana
Leader: Dr. Mark Creager & Dr. Misty Ostergaard
Registration Fee: $75 (includes lunch and t-shirt)
Capacity: 30 students*
Course Number: ESTEM011
Deadline to Register: June 2, 2026
This immersive, hands-on program introduces students to the dynamic processes that shape our planet. Students rotate between lab and outdoor activities in small groups. In the lab, they examine minerals, rocks, and fossils up close, then use polarized light microscopes to study thin sections of rocks, identifying minerals and textures that revel how rocks form and what environments they record. Outdoors, participants explore a nearby campus stream to observe real features like pools, riffles, cutbanks, and point bars, investigate how water shapes landscapes through erosion and deposition, conduct basic stream measurements, and use a stream table and groundwater model to simulate how slope, flow, and other factor influence channel shapes and water movement.
Discussions include insights from professionals now working in environmental consulting, along with perspectives on college pathways and careers in geology, environmental science, and related fields. The camp provides an authentic college-level experience, builds academic confidence, and lets students actively engage with real-world Earth science in a supportive, small-group setting -- ideal for exploring these fascinating majors and potential career directions through fieldwork, lab analysis, and practical modeling.
Date: June 23 - 24, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Science Center, University of Southern Indiana
Leader: Dr. Tony Maria & Dr. Jim Durbin
Registration Fee: $75 (includes lunch and t-shirt)
Capacity: 20 students*
Course Number: ESTEM012
Deadline to Register: June 9, 2026
This hands-on program guides students through the full engineering workflow--from design to real-world testing. Using Onshape CAD software, students will create 3D models, build simple and complex parts, explore assemblies, and run basic stress simulations to understand how design choices affect strength and performance. They will then export their designs for overnight 3D printing.
On Day 2, students retrieve their printed parts, learn about additive manufacturing and prototyping, test the parts to failure using professional equipment to observe tensile and compressive behavior, and examine material microstructures under a high-magnification microscope to connect design, manufacturing, and material properties.
Discussions will highlight real projects, form CAD design to fabrication and assembly of functional systems. The camp builds academic confidence, offers an authentic taste of university-level mechanical engineering, and helps high schoolers explore this dynamic major and related career paths through practical, engaging experiences. Students should bring a laptop for CAD work.
Date: June 30 - July 1, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Business & Engineering Center, University of Southern Indiana
Leader: Dr. Milad Rad
Registration Fee: $75 (includes lunch and t-shirt)
Capacity: 12 students*
Course Number: ESTEM013
Deadline to Register: June 16, 2026
This hands-on program gives high school students a comprehensive introduction to the Kinesiology and Sport Department's academic programs and career pathways, including exercise science, athletic training, strength and condition, sport management, sport marketing, recreational management, coaching, and pre-professional tracks like physical therapy and occupational therapy.
Students tour state-of-the art facilities, learn about health-related components of physical fitness, and gain practical experience using professional equipment to measure heart rate, blood pressure, muscular fitness, flexibility, and body composition. In small groups, participants collaborate to design and present a basic sport marketing plan, applying concepts like branding, sponsorships, and fan engagement.
Panel discussions and presentations feature current USI students, recent alumni, USI coaches, and local industry professionals, sharing real insights into college life, graduate school, and diverse careers in kinesiology, sport, and related fields. The camp build academic confidence, encourages teamwork and offers an engaging, authentic preview of university-level study in a supportive environment--perfect for high schoolers to explore these exciting majors and promising career opportunities.
Date: July 21 - 22, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Screaming Eagles Complex, University of Southern Indiana
Leader: Dr. Darrin Sorrels & Dr. Brian Kiessling
Registration Fee: $75 (includes lunch and t-shirt)
Capacity: 24 students*
Course Number: ESTEM014
Deadline to Register: July 7, 2026
*A waitlist will be started once camp fills. Camp fills on a first-come, first-served basis. Registrations are not complete until registration fees are paid.
