Summer Academies Accepting Applications for 2025
Applications are now open for all of Truman’s pre-college summer programs, including Joseph Baldwin Academy, JBA Jr. and the ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy.
In the most recent summer, Truman welcomed record numbers of students across all three academies. Increases are expected again in 2025, with JBA – the University’s signature summer program – offering the largest number of classes in history with 25 in total between both sessions.
JBA provides a residential academy across two separate three-week sessions for students who have finished 7th, 8th or 9th grade. Participating students can choose from class topics including business, neurobiology, theatre, data science, chemistry, genetics, animation, mythology and creative writing, among others.
Historically, JBA has served as many students’ first taste of Truman, and hundreds of program alumni have gone on to attend the University. JBA alumni make up a larger representation of the Truman student body than any single high school.
Truman now offers a scholarship for JBA alumni. Students who attended the summer academy and enroll at Truman automatically received a $1,000 scholarship each year.
Inspired by the success of JBA, Truman established a spinoff of the program in 2019 to reach children in 4th-6th grades. JBA Jr. is targeted to students from northeast Missouri communities in an effort to get them excited about the possibility of college. Unlike the Joseph Baldwin Academy, JBA Jr. does not have restrictions for entry based on high achievement as it aims to inspire enthusiasm for learning in all ability groups. This weeklong day program exposes participating students to the Truman campus, including the planetarium, herpetarium, science labs, University Farm and Pickler Memorial Library.
During a weeklong stay on campus, students participating in the ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy experience hands-on activities and stimulating discussions at both Truman and the cross-town medical school A.T. Still University. On the Truman campus, students use the nursing simulation lab, the Speech and Hearing Clinic, athletic training facilities and the new virtual anatomy lab. During excursions to the ATSU campus, student activities include the ultrasound lab, cadaver anatomy lab, and the dental simulation lab. Throughout the week, academy participants learn about various careers in nursing, neurobiology, chiropractic care, biomechanics, physical therapy, counseling, emergency response and dentistry from doctors, nurses and health care practitioners. Students also engage in a number of fun events, including a planetarium show, a scavenger hunt and bowling.
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. JBA Jr. and ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy have open applications. 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.
