Quinnipiac University
Students work with equipment in the biology laboratory.

Pre-College Summer Programs

Physical and Life Sciences Exploration Academy

Do you love science but can’t decide which branch of science is your favorite? Do ancient civilizations, geological rock formations, engines, chemical reactions, the nervous system, and solar system excite you? The Physical and Life Sciences Exploration Academy introduces high school students to a variety of disciplines and fields to make it easier to decide which degree program matches their skills and interests.

Register Now

Overview

In this 2-week summer program, high school students will spend their days in the laboratory learning directly from Quinnipiac professors as they explore various scientific disciplines. Students will observe the intersection of life sciences and physical sciences while conducting exciting, hands-on experiments like making an engine, looking at the sky, analyzing ancient tools, testing your nervous system responses and creating volcanoes from acids and bases. Participants will also learn the science behind each activity and have the opportunity to talk about college science courses with a variety of professors.

This program is perfect for high school students who are interested in a future career in the sciences, those who are natural questioners and problem-solvers and those who hope to build their resumes and gain clarity in selecting a particular college pathway.

At the end of this program, you’ll walk away with:
  • Hands-on experience conducting real labwork and experiments

  • Ability to define the basic scientific principles behind geology, chemistry, astronomy, archeology, biology and physics.

  • Skills and techniques necessary to observe and conduct experiments in a variety of scientific disciplines

  • An understanding of several scientific disciplines and research techniques applied in each discipline

Program Dates and Schedule

July 8, 2024 - July 19, 2024

Sample Daily Schedule: This is only a sample schedule and is subject to change due to a variety of factors.

Time Activity Detail

9 a.m.

Morning Program Meeting

Check-in with the group and a brief overview of today’s lessons

9:30 a.m.

Morning Discussion

Class will meet in the designated lab space and discuss background for today’s lab experiment.

Noon

Lunch

Eat and socialize with your classmates.

1 p.m.

Afternoon Lab Experiment

Class will meet in the designated lab space and conduct today’s experiment.

4 p.m.

Review and Debrief Meeting

A chance to reflect and discuss the day as well as look to the days ahead.

4:30 p.m.

Day Program Ends

Dismissal for commuter students.

5 p.m.

Dinner

Dinner will be provided for those students with full room and board.

6 p.m.

Evening Activities (Group Recreation in our new Recreation and Wellness Center, Games, Guest Speakers, Independent and Group Enrichment Projects)

The evening is reserved for overnight students to have fun, experience our on-campus amenities, and bond with each other and staff through organized group enrichment activities.

10 p.m.

Quiet Time

 

 

Weekend Programming and Excursions

In addition to the daily schedule listed above, our two-week programs offer organized trips and excursions during the weekends. Last summer, program attendees spent time in our local community while mini golfing, visiting the Mystic Aquarium and shopping in New Haven. 

Field trips and weekend excursions may vary by program and session. 

Participation Requirements

Participants must be current high school students. Typically, participants are between the ages of 15 to 18 years of age at the start of the program. 

Equipment and Materials

When working in the laboratory each day, students will need shirts, long pants that cover the ankles, and shoes that completely cover the toes. Students should also bring a spiral-bound notebook and a pen or pencil to record daily laboratory observations and data. Laboratory safety goggles and other personal protective equipment will be provided.

Program Costs

Option 1: 2-week overnight program from Sunday to Saturday. Includes full room and board as well as evening and weekend activities: $3,360

Option 2: 2-week on-campus commuter program from Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Includes lunch daily: $2,400

Both options offer:

  • Two weeks of faculty-designed programs taught on-campus with educational support staff

  • Technology and software support

  • A Quinnipiac T-shirt

  • A digital badge for use on social media, resumes or portfolios

  • Access to special Quinnipiac Admissions events

Register Now

 

Discounts and Financial Aid

Partial financial support may be available for those who indicate the need for financial assistance in their online application. Financial support awards are based on a combination of financial need and academic merit.

We are pleased to offer a 10% discount on all summer camps and experiences to current Quinnipiac employees, Quinnipiac alumni and employees of our corporate partners.

Application and Payment Deadlines

Space is limited per session; applications are reviewed when they are received and students are accepted on a rolling basis. 

Registration: Students must register for summer programs prior to June 2, 2024.

Deposits: All students must submit a non-refundable $250 deposit at the time of registration to ensure a spot is reserved for 30 days.

Payment: Payment is due within 30 days of applying to fully register for a program.

Payment Methods and Refund/Cancellation Policy

Register Now

 

How to Register for Summer Programs

  1. Visit our registration page
  2. Create a new account or log in to your existing account
  3. Select the program(s) you wish to enroll in and click "Continue"
  4. Complete your registration details
  5. You will receive an email confirming space is available and providing information about next steps, such as how to make payment and completing the final required registration steps. If a program is full, a waitlist option will be provided.

Register Now

Our Program Instructors

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions among prospective students and families regarding our summer programs. If you can't find an answer to your question, please contact us and we'd be happy to chat.

Review all FAQ's

Accommodations

Quinnipiac University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act as an institution of higher education. Students who have a current IEP or 504 plan are encouraged to share any accommodations or modifications they may require in order to access the fundamentals of a QU summer program or camp they plan to attend.

Students requesting disability-based accommodations should indicate this within the application as well as email summerprograms@qu.edu about any and all specific accommodation needs.

 

Rules & Regulations

Read Quinnipiac University’s Summer Camp and Pre-College Program Policies