Image
Summer Academy
Summer Academy 2026
Spend a week at OSU-Cascades! Summer Academy introduces you to life on a college campus, and you’ll 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
Registration to open February 2, 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
Computer Science
Instructors: Dan White and Brian Hall
Learn how computing and artificial intelligence shape the world around us through logic, creativity and ethical decision-making. Campers explore foundational computer science concepts while developing problem-solving skills and an understanding of how technology influences society.
Image
Kinesiology
Instructors: Jess Coughlin and Salvador “Cha” Jaime
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.
Image
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
Image
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.
Image
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.
Image
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.
Image
Outdoor Recreation
After a morning in the classroom, you’ll 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.
Image
Image
On-Campus Activities
From board games to playing pool to watching movies, take a break after a full day of activities. The fitness center is also open to Summer Academy students.
College Scholarship
Students who complete the Summer Academy will each receive a $500 scholarship* to OSU-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 OSU-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
OSU-Cascades in Bend.
Overnight or Day Option
Stay in our state-of-the-art residence hall or register as a day student.
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 and University Events Manager, at events@osucascades.edu
*Financial assistance requests are now closed.
Registration closes July 1 at 5:00 p.m.