Our 2017 Summer Session was fantastic! With our theme of "Blast Off to College!" we hosted our rising Juniors and Seniors for five weeks on the campus of Salem International University.
Core Classes
All students took core classes to boost their skills in Math, Science, English, History (Juniors only) and Careers (Seniors only). Core classes were Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 12:00pm (except Wednesdays).
Enrichment Classes
Juniors and first-year Seniors took "Enrichment" classes in the afternoon, including Theatre, Psychology, Pre-Med (M/W/F) and Guitar, Art, and Fitness (T/Th).
Job Shadowing
Second-year Seniors had the opportunity each afternoon to earn money doing job shadowing with local businesses. Students learned about careers in physical therapy, veterinary science, business, information technology, cosmetology, education, nursing, among others.
Career Activities
Seniors spent Wednesday mornings learning about different careers by visiting local businesses and hearing from guest speakers.
--Students toured Salem Correctional Center and learned about careers in corrections, then put their investigative skills to work at SIU's crime scene house, after which Dr. Lounsbury talked to them about careers in criminal justice.
--Juniors joined in on the fun one week when students got to take a tour of Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community & Technical College.
--Students experienced some very informative presentations and tours from several departments within United Hospital Center. We got to hear from the Nursing Recruiter and tour the Obstetrics unit of the hospital. We heard from the director of IT who took us back into the server room and IT department, as well as other areas at the heart of UHC operations. We also got to hear from a Medical Assistant, a Phlebotomist, and an LPN.
Supplementary Curriculum
Juniors spent Wednesday mornings working through the "Making Proud Choices" curriculum with a volunteer from the WV Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Initiative.
Most evenings, all students spent time working through Mastery Prep, one of the top ACT prep curricula on the market, to build their test taking skills and get ready for the ACT.
Evening activities
Evenings were packed full of fun, engaging activities, guest speakers and field trips including a talent show, bonfires, swimming, movies, a dance, shopping, community service, and more.
Summer trip
Our sixth week consisted of an educational and cultural trip to Washington DC. Students got to experience improv theatre when they attended a show at the Kennedy Center, spent some time exploring the various Smithsonian Museums, Monuments and the National Mall, and had some fun at the National Zoo!