Summer Academies Immerse Hundreds of Students in Campus Experiences
Truman was bustling with excitement during the summer months as more than 600 young students were welcomed to campus for summer academies by the Institute for Academic Outreach.
The Joseph Baldwin Academy for Eminent Young Scholars is a residential academy for students who have finished 7th, 8th or 9th grade. This year, a total of 538 students attended across two separate three-week sessions. Participating students could choose from more than 20 classes, with topics covering business, neurobiology, theatre, data science, chemistry, Chinese, genetics, game design, mythology and creative writing, among others.
JBA has historically served as many students’ first taste of Truman, leading hundreds of program alumni to go on to attend the University. JBA alumni make up a larger representation of the Truman student body than any single high school.
Targeted toward younger students is JBA Jr., a program designed for 4th-6th grade students from northeast Missouri communities as a means to get them excited about the possibility of college. To inspire enthusiasm for learning in all ability groups, JBA Jr. does not have any scores-based restrictions for entry. This weeklong day program introduces participating students to Truman’s campus, including the planetarium, herpetarium, science labs, University Farm and Pickler Memorial Library. A total of 50 students took part in JBA Jr. during the 2026 session.
Continued success was also seen in the ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy, which offers high school students a glimpse of careers in the medical field. During a weeklong stay on Truman’s campus, participants experience hands-on activities and stimulating discussions at both schools. A total of 36 students from across Missouri and Kansas participated in this year’s ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy.
On Truman’s campus, students were able to visit the Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center and use the Nursing Simulation Lab, the Speech and Hearing Clinic, athletic training facilities and the Virtual Anatomy Lab. During excursions to the ATSU campus, student activities took place in the Ultrasound Lab, Cadaver Anatomy Lab, and multiple simulation labs. As part of a field trip to the hospital, students were able to explore the robotic arm used in surgery. Academy participants learned about various careers throughout the week, including nursing, neurobiology, chiropractic care, biomechanics, physical therapy, counseling, emergency response and dentistry from doctors, nurses and health care practitioners. Students were also able to engage in multiple fun events, including a scavenger hunt and camp challenge.
Each summer academy has its own application process. JBA requires a nomination from a teacher, guidance counselor, principal or parent of a home-school student. The nomination process opens in November for sessions the following summer. JBA Jr. and ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy applications are due during the spring semester. More information about summer academies at Truman can be found online at institute.truman.edu or by contacting the Institute for Academic Outreach at institute@truman.edu or 660.785.5384.
The Joseph Baldwin Academy for Eminent Young Scholars is a residential academy for students who have finished 7th, 8th or 9th grade. This year, a total of 538 students attended across two separate three-week sessions. Participating students could choose from more than 20 classes, with topics covering business, neurobiology, theatre, data science, chemistry, Chinese, genetics, game design, mythology and creative writing, among others.
JBA has historically served as many students’ first taste of Truman, leading hundreds of program alumni to go on to attend the University. JBA alumni make up a larger representation of the Truman student body than any single high school.
Targeted toward younger students is JBA Jr., a program designed for 4th-6th grade students from northeast Missouri communities as a means to get them excited about the possibility of college. To inspire enthusiasm for learning in all ability groups, JBA Jr. does not have any scores-based restrictions for entry. This weeklong day program introduces participating students to Truman’s campus, including the planetarium, herpetarium, science labs, University Farm and Pickler Memorial Library. A total of 50 students took part in JBA Jr. during the 2026 session.
Continued success was also seen in the ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy, which offers high school students a glimpse of careers in the medical field. During a weeklong stay on Truman’s campus, participants experience hands-on activities and stimulating discussions at both schools. A total of 36 students from across Missouri and Kansas participated in this year’s ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy.
On Truman’s campus, students were able to visit the Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center and use the Nursing Simulation Lab, the Speech and Hearing Clinic, athletic training facilities and the Virtual Anatomy Lab. During excursions to the ATSU campus, student activities took place in the Ultrasound Lab, Cadaver Anatomy Lab, and multiple simulation labs. As part of a field trip to the hospital, students were able to explore the robotic arm used in surgery. Academy participants learned about various careers throughout the week, including nursing, neurobiology, chiropractic care, biomechanics, physical therapy, counseling, emergency response and dentistry from doctors, nurses and health care practitioners. Students were also able to engage in multiple fun events, including a scavenger hunt and camp challenge.
Each summer academy has its own application process. JBA requires a nomination from a teacher, guidance counselor, principal or parent of a home-school student. The nomination process opens in November for sessions the following summer. JBA Jr. and ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy applications are due during the spring semester. More information about summer academies at Truman can be found online at institute.truman.edu or by contacting the Institute for Academic Outreach at institute@truman.edu or 660.785.5384.
