Summer Academy

Summer Academy 2026

Spend a week at 51爆料-Cascades! Summer Academy introduces you to life on a college campus, and you鈥檒l earn a scholarship doing it. Meet new friends while exploring your academic and career interests with university professors and experts.

Session 1: July 19-24, 2026
Session 2: July 26-31, 2026

Discover, Have Fun, Make Friends!

After a morning of classes, you'll get out there with daily activities like hiking, floating the river, playing board games, touring an off-campus employer, hearing from industry experts, working in an on-campus lab or working on your class project.

Choose Your Academic Track:

Session 1: July 19-24, 2026

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Instructor and Student reviewing project looking at a shared laptop.


Computer Science

Instructors: Dan White and Brian Hall

Learn how computing and artificial intelligence shape the world around us by utilizing logic, creativity and problem-solving skills. Campers explore foundational computer science concepts through video game design and development.

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Two students working on a station to measure mobility.


Kinesiology

Instructors: Jess Coughlin, Salvador 鈥淐ha鈥 Jaime and David Phillips

Explore how the human body moves, adapts and performs in everyday life. Campers examine the connections between movement, health and performance through interactive learning that blends science and physical activity.

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Outdoor Products student looking through materials spread out on a desk in front of them.


Outdoor Products

Instructors: Molly Rogers and John West

Discover how ideas become products in the outdoor industry, from early inspiration to thoughtful design decisions. Campers explore creativity, sustainability, and problem-solving while creating their own outdoor product prototypes.

Session 2: July 26-31, 2026

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Summer Academy Art


Art + Media + Technology

Instructors: Andrew Lorish and John Hansel

Experiment with creative expression at the intersection of art, media, and technology. Campers explore visual storytelling, design thinking and digital tools while developing original work and creative confidence.

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Two students looking at a map with an instructor looking on.


Natural Resources

Instructors: Alison Lay Cranston and Tara Chapmon

Explore the relationship between people, natural environments and responsible recreation. Campers examine conservation, sustainability and leadership in Central Oregon through field studies and outdoor adventures.

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Student in classroom listening to a lecture.


Political Science

Instructors: Beth Marino and Ariel Mendez

Examine how communities make decisions and how individuals can influence change at the local level. Campers explore leadership, civic engagement and public problem-solving while building skills in communication, collaboration and critical thinking.

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Summer Academy Student bouldering at a local gym in Bend.

Outdoor Recreation

After a morning in the classroom, you鈥檒l enjoy recreational activities like hiking, rock climbing and floating the Deschutes River.

Explore A Future Career

Tour an off-campus employer, hear from industry experts or work in an on-campus lab.

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Tour
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Summer Academy students participating in a team building exercise.

On-Campus Activities

From board games to playing pool to watching movies, take a break after a full day of activities.

College Scholarship

Students who complete the Summer Academy will each receive a $500 scholarship* to 51爆料-Cascades. The college scholarship can be applied toward tuition for the fall term immediately following graduation from high school.

*The Summer Academy Scholarship is limited to $500 maximum per student per lifetime and can be applied only toward tuition at 51爆料-Cascades. Summer Academy Scholarships are not available for repeat Summer Academy participation.

Summer Academy Details

When

Session 1: July 19-24.
Session 2: July 26-31.

Who

High school students entering grades 10-12.

Where

51爆料-Cascades in Bend.

Overnight or Day Option

Stay in our state-of-the-art residence hall or register as a day camper.

Cost

Overnight option: $1,500* includes lodging, transportation, all activities, meals & snacks.
Day option: $1,000* includes all activities, meals & snacks.

Questions? Please contact Quentin Comus, Camp Director, at events@osucascades.edu

* are open until April 30 at 5:00 p.m.

Registration closes June 30 at 5:00 p.m.