Experience Immersive Learning in Drexel’s Pre-College Summer Programs
February 22, 2024
Drexel’s research-rich summer institutes offer dynamic learning experiences that help high school students develop real-world skills. This year, the College of Arts and Sciences presents five programs that introduce students to various topics in the humanities, social sciences and STEM fields.
Each of these summer programs offers students the opportunity to explore new ideas or further their passions. By learning alongside faculty experts, students gain valuable experience that will support their academic and professional futures. Learn more about the programs below and complete your application by May 1 for early bird pricing.
Big City Journalist Boot Camp
July 15–19, 2024
News media is an exciting—and rapidly changing—field. The Department of Politics has partnered with the Department of Communication for this intensive, hands-on experience where students will learn the ins and outs of being a journalist in today’s 24-hour news cycle culture.
“If you are dreaming of a career in journalism or just keen to learn how (well-researched and well-written) news is made, this boot camp is for you,” said Professor of Communication Hilde Van den Bulck, PhD. “Come with enthusiasm for news and a great idea for a journalistic piece and leave with the skills to become a top journalist!”
Students will learn about the theory and history of media and journalism in Philadelphia, shadow working journalists and produce stories for various local media outlets, including radio stations, newspapers, podcasts and blogs. This is a great opportunity for aspiring journalists to hone their skills.
Math, Music and Coding Camp
July 15–19, 2024
Math can help us make sense of different aspects of sound and music. In this program hosted by the Department of Mathematics, students will explore why music sounds the way it does, through the lens of mathematics.
“In this program, we are going to explore the mathematics behind music theory and music production,” explained Assistant Teaching Professor of Mathematics Dimitrios Papadopoulos, EdD. “We’ll take advantage of the universality of math to compare music from around the world and apply this multicultural perspective to our creations.”
Students will apply musical and mathematical concepts using Sonic Pi, a coding platform used by professional musicians, VR developers, and programmers.
This program is open to all students regardless of their musical experience. “There’s no need to play an instrument or have any musical background, as we’ll learn to apply these ideas through the use of coding,” said Papadopoulos. “All you need is curiosity and enthusiasm for working across disciplines.”
Coding and Decoding Secret Messages
July 22–26, 2024
In our age of modern communication technology, the need for security in transmitting messages over the internet is more important than ever. In another program from the Department of Mathematics, students will explore the fascinating world of cryptography — the art of secret communication through coding and decoding.
Students will learn how to skillfully transform plain messages into enigmatic text, rendering them comprehensible only to their intended recipients, and utilize software such as Excel and python.
Global Philadelphia
July 22–26, 2024
Philadelphia is a globally diverse city. Students can experience cultures from around the world and their influence on local architecture, food and media in this program hosted by the Department of Global Studies and Modern Languages.
“This program is ideal for high school students who are curious about other cultures and who love languages,” said Professor and Department Head Rebecca Clothey, PhD.
“Global citizenship and cross-cultural understanding are essential skills for any career. High school students can get a head start on these by participating in the Global Philadelphia summer program.”
Students will learn from cultural experts and experience Philadelphia's global culture first-hand through activities and excursions throughout the city and surrounding areas. They will document their activities during the week through photography and video and use them to create and design cartoneras, a handmade style of book that originated in Argentina
Sociology of Health and Illness
July 22–26, 2024
This program, hosted by the Department of Sociology, will introduce students to the social organization of healthcare in the United States and provide experiences and tools that can help them make informed decisions about future careers in healthcare, social work, public health, or related fields.
The program will give students “a better understanding of how healthcare is organized in the United States, including the relationship between inequalities and health outcomes, explained Professor of Sociology Kelly Joyce, PhD. “Students will also learn how we can reorganize healthcare to make it more just.”
Participants will interact with a variety of health professionals to better understand the ins and outs of their roles. They will also tour a functional fabric medical device lab to see cutting-edge developments in medicine.