University of Illinois Springfield Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE) is offering high school students four opportunities to experience campus life and learn new skills through its 2025 Academic Summer Camps. The camps provide hands-on learning in public policy, environmental science, reading strategies and artificial intelligence.
“These camps are designed to spark curiosity and empower students to explore topics that interest them while giving them a glimpse of what it’s like to learn at a university level,” said Jacob House, CAPE instructional development specialist. “With a mix of classroom activities, outdoor exploration and practical experience, students can develop new skills in an engaging and supportive environment.”
2025 Academic Sumer Camps include:
- Public Policy in Action
June 16-17 | 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. | $249
This two-day camp is for students passionate about creating change in their communities. Participants will learn how to amplify their voices, dive into public policy and gain practical skills in civic action. Designed for both beginners and those already interested in leadership, this camp focuses on turning ideas into actionable solutions. - Exploring the Emiquon Preserve
June 16-18 | 9 a.m. to noon | $149
Students will immerse themselves in nature at The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve, one of the largest wetland restoration sites in the Midwest. The camp includes guided hikes, sampling of aquatic organisms and hands-on experiments to understand how ecosystems function. Participants will work in teams to identify samples and examine them under microscopes. - How to Crush Reading a Whole Book
June 30-July 3 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | $149
This camp helps students develop reading strategies that will serve them in college and beyond. Through interactive sessions and remote check-ins, students will explore how to stay focused, create ideal reading environments and improve comprehension. Activities include reading exercises in creative settings, such as the UIS Shakespeare Garden. - AI and the Nobel Prize
July 8-10 | 9 a.m. to noon | $99
Students will explore recent scientific breakthroughs and gain hands-on experience with AI and machine learning. Through programming exercises and discussions of Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, participants will delve into the intersection of science, technology and innovation.
For more information, visit the registration page or contact summercamps@uis.edu.