This summer, 50 students from across Marion County, including Indianapolis Public Schools, township, private, and charter schools, attended IU Indianapolis’ first Kids College, a free, two-week summer day camp designed to introduce rising 7th and 8th graders to college life, career pathways, and community leadership. Held June 9–20, the program is a growing initiative now offered on six IU campuses. At IU Indianapolis, Kids College brought opportunities for local youth to explore their future in the heart of the state capital.
“We want students to see themselves as future college graduates and contributing citizens to society,” said Dr. Latosha Rowley, camp director. “Kids College helps build that confidence and connection early by showing them how college can help them reach their career goals.”
“I want to get a degree in technology,” said camper Kaiden Anderson. “I want to build stuff or make games for people.” His grandmother, Christina Anderson, said she wanted to give Kaiden a chance to see that he can go to college and explore opportunities beyond his neighborhood.
About IU Kids College
Launched in 2016, Kids College is a statewide initiative preparing Indiana’s next generation of leaders through immersive summer experiences. Now held at IU Indianapolis, IU Columbus, IU Kokomo, IU Fort Wayne, IU Northwest, and IU South Bend, the program focuses on welcoming and supporting those who may be the first in their family to attend college, who may qualify for the 21st Century Scholars program, or who come from communities that have historically faced barriers to higher education. The camp offers hands-on introductions to college life, career exploration, and academic possibilities while fostering personal development, civic engagement, and college readiness.
“I want to go to college,” said camper Micah Carter, who hopes to become either an actress or an architect. Her grandmother, Damica O’Neal-Woolridge, said she enrolled Micah to help her start thinking about her future. “I just want her to find her purpose… and meet some new friends along the way.”
Hands-on experiences included a visit to the IU School of Nursing, where campers received presentations and completed hands-on activities from faculty and students. They learned how nursing students develop the skills needed to care for patients using high-tech simulators. Campers also received a presentation on diabetes and watched a nursing student demonstrate how to give an insulin injection, before practicing how to properly pinch the skin and administer the injection on a model arm. The campers also learned the importance of math and science in nursing, including an exercise in planning a meal with 40–80 grams of carbohydrates.
Beyond academic exploration, each IU campus tailors the Kids College experience to reflect local community strengths while maintaining a shared commitment to college readiness, personal development, and civic engagement. A key component of the curriculum is Middle School Crew, a college-readiness program developed by IU’s Community & School Partnerships. These sessions support eligible students with the 21st Century Scholars application process and help them begin fulfilling program requirements.
A Transformative Two Weeks
Interactive visits across campus brought subjects to life. At the IDEA Garden, campers worked with cutting-edge tools like 3D printers, virtual reality (VR) equipment, and digital whiteboards. During their visit to the IU McKinney School of Law, they learned about health law and policy, creating vision boards to imagine how they could advocate for community health and positive change. At the Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, campers practiced CPR, learned how to respond to bleeding wounds, and even took part in a lesson on how to survive a zombie apocalypse. While visiting the Herron School of Art and Design, they reflected on their experiences through collage and visual storytelling, capturing ideas about health, advocacy, and community.
Camper Kaiden Anderson, was highlighted in a News at IU article about IU Kids College. His grandmother, Christina Anderson, enrolled him with a clear vision in mind, “I’m hoping that he’ll see that it is OK to pursue academic success and go to college, that it’s OK to communicate,” she said. “We’ve been having conversations about investing in your future and in yourself. To be in an environment where he can see other kids and families doing that as well is so important; it creates opportunities and connections. He loves video games and is interested in how they are made. I told him the people who make those games all had to start somewhere, and that start is a college education.”
Each day included outdoor team-building, wellness and social-emotional learning workshops, and a college-style lunch. Campers also toured campus dorms, offering a glimpse into college life. They ventured off campus as well, visiting the NCAA Hall of Champions and Indiana State Museum to expand their horizons through real-world learning.
From the very first day’s White Coats & Scrubs Kickoff Celebration, which featured a welcome from IU Indianapolis Chancellor Latha Ramchand, campers were immersed in the possibilities of college life and introduced to careers in health and medicine through a panel of IU Health professionals who shared their personal journeys.
Featured in the news
IU Indianapolis Kids College was featured on WRTV, where students, caregivers, and the camp director reflected on their aspirations and the opportunity this program creates to introduce middle schoolers to college life. The segment highlighted how the camp gives an early exposure to college life and potential career paths, from law and healthcare to STEM and the arts.
Dr. Rowley explained the broader vision behind the program: “The fork in the road happens in middle school. Maybe they have different kinds of influences, so we are hoping to be the voice in their head to think about their future.”
Super Sleuth Showcase
The camp concluded with a powerful student-led Super Sleuth Learning Exhibition and Culmination Ceremony, where campers showcased their research on real-world topics and pressing community issues such as gun violence, food insecurity, climate change, student loans, and unemployment. Through engaging team presentations, they proposed creative solutions and demonstrated leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills aimed at making a difference in their communities.
“It was beautiful to see the Kids College campers engage in learning about a community issue and how they worked together to critically think about possible solutions,” Dr. Rowley added. “Group interactions with peers can spark future learning, and these experiences will generate lifelong learning for the campers to follow their passions and address and solve issues in their communities.”
Kaiden Anderson’s group presented on gun violence, a topic that hit close to home. “At first, I wasn’t sure if he would speak,” said his grandmother. “But not only was he excited to present, he had gone the extra mile to create a two-minute video and won a $100 gift certificate. He was so knowledgeable.”
The award was part of a creative video challenge sponsored by The Miles We Walk, a community partner that also led one of the camp’s workshops.
Christina added, “Now that we know about the IU Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, the video game museum, the game development program, and their game development camps for high schoolers, we look forward to connecting Kaiden to all of the different opportunities on the IU Indianapolis campus.”
“Collaboration is an essential life skill,” said Dr. Rowley. “It was great to see the campers do outstanding research and presentation work. Their teamwork reminded me of this quote, ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.’”
After the presentations, students were celebrated with a graduation ceremony where they wore caps, received stoles, IU pins, and certificates, and shook hands with IU faculty as families and community members cheered them on. They also heard inspiring messages from IU leaders and their counselors, who recognized their achievements and encouraged them to keep pursuing their goals.
More Than Academics
Kids College emphasized holistic development, offering campers daily college and career workshops, wellness sessions, and hands-on group challenges. Through these activities, students discovered that college is about much more than academics, it’s about leadership, self-discovery, and finding purpose. Campers shared their takeaways: “Camp was fun! I made a lot of friends,” “Camp was good, but we did lots of walking, so I had to get used to it,” and “My favorite part of the camp was the field trips… and the snacks!”
As the Kids College staff reflected, “Campers not only learned how to problem-solve, think critically, and work in teams, but they also had the chance to explore their identities, make new friends, and feel a true sense of belonging on a college campus.”
Parents and caregivers noticed the impact, too. One parent shared, “I like that my son had something to do that helped him learn in a fun way. I enjoyed watching him come out of his shell.” Another said, “My daughter loved going to camp and learning about college life.” Others reflected on the difference they saw at the end of each day: “I know it was good by how happy and tired she was when I picked her up,” and “This camp provided opportunities and resources to help my kid prepare for the future.”
Beyond the fun, students left with a clearer sense of who they are and who they can become. They recognized that their communities need change-makers, and that they have the power to be those leaders.
Supported by Student Counselors and Interns
Kids College was supported by a team of college student counselors from IU Indianapolis, along with two high school interns who helped campers feel welcome and supported by listening, connecting, and creating a sense of belonging. The counselors represented multiple campus majors, such as Luis Llerena (Computer Science), Enzio Salemi (Forensic Chemistry), Eston Inskeep (Music Technology), Alayna Walker (Marketing), Sara Ullrich (Art Education), and Kalista Cody (Health Science, Pre-Physician Assistant).
Nivea’h Churchwell, from Crispus Attucks High School, and Jada Smith, from Lawrence North High School, participated through the TRIO Upward Bound Pre-Professional Internship Program. Upward Bound is a federally funded program that helps high school students prepare for college through academic support, mentoring, and career exploration.
Nivea’h, who also serves as class president and is active in Best Buddies Indiana, shared: “The experience has been great, just being a listening ear for the kids. Even though we’re older, we’re still close enough in age that they feel comfortable talking to us. It seems like the connections here are great; they make friends quickly, and they’re all very kind.”
Jada, who participates in the Black Student Union and National Honor Society, reflected on her role at camp: “It’s been nice getting to know the campers, especially those who are a little more reserved. Being someone they could talk to made a difference, it felt good to be there for them so they didn’t feel left out.”
Looking Ahead
“Kids College exemplifies IU Indianapolis’ commitment to student success and community impact,” said Dr. Rowley. “It gives middle school students the opportunity to see how education can be a valuable tool for creating change in their own communities.” Kids College also reflects Indiana University’s broader commitment to expanding opportunity, strengthening educational pipelines, and fostering partnerships that advance access for K–12 students across the state.
The IU Indianapolis Kids College staff shared, “From the moment campers arrived, full of curiosity and excitement, it was clear this year’s program would be something special. With every new challenge, creative project, and meaningful conversation, students took steps toward a brighter future. As they return to their schools and neighborhoods, they carry with them not only memories, but the confidence and tools to keep reaching higher.”
“I look forward to the exceptional work our Kids College leaders will do and who they will become in the future,” said Dr. Rowley.
A Special Thanks
Kids College is made possible through a generous grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., as part of its Indiana Youth Programs on Campus (IYPC) initiative. IYPC supports Indiana colleges and universities in developing high-quality, on-campus programming for youth ages 5–18.
The program was hosted by the IU Office of School Partnerships, IU Indianapolis Office of Community Engagement, and the IU K–12 Student Success Corps, in collaboration with IU faculty, staff, and student camp counselors, as well as the Herron School of Art and Design, the Kelley School of Business, the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, the McKinney School of Law, the Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, the School of Education Maker Mobile, the School of Nursing, the School of Social Work, University Library, and the IDEA Garden Learning Space.
The Kids College staff added, “Special thanks to our incredible sponsors, volunteers, IU faculty, staff, and students, as well as the many parents, campus partners, and community partners who helped make this year’s Kids College a success. Your support ensures these students are better equipped for the school year ahead and for many more to come.”
To learn more, become a partner, or ask questions about Kids College at IU Indianapolis, email the IU K–12 Student Success Corps at sscp@iu.edu.