Summer Academy

Summer 2026 Sessions

Change Makers

Have you ever wanted to persuade your friends to consider a different point of view? Do you want to be a leader in bringing about justice in your local community? Have you imagined that the world can be different—and better—from the way it is now?

If so, come join us in exploring strategies for being a leader and a change maker! We will meet with guest speakers, go on field trips, engage in case studies, and have discussions—all to help you become a change maker in your community.

Whatever occupation you imagine for your future will be enhanced by the skills of being a change maker. We will help you develop the art of persuasion, strategies for making lasting change in your community, and a vision of what you think a “better world” would look like.

Civil War: A Nation Divided

This institute is for anyone with an interest in museum curatorship or archive work, a passion for history, or who simply wants to learn more about the Civil War.

The Civil War is the is one of the most dramatic periods in American history.  When eleven Southern states secede from the Union, a bloody and devastating war ensues, pitting brother against brother, and father against son. When the fighting ended, the Union was restored, and the great evil of slavery had been abolished, but at great cost.

In this institute, you will look at the Civil War through the lens of military, political, and social history. We will explore the roles played by political leaders, soldiers, slaves, and women through texts and videos. Hands-on activities will include a museum field trip, simulations of war through gaming, and a musket demonstration.

Environmental Science Institute

Spend a week exploring the ecology of Southeastern Indiana with Biology professors Darrin Rubino (Botanist) and Brian Gall (Zoologist). Carved by the ice ages, with rolling hills, forested bluffs, dramatic ravines, and the Ohio River Valley, Southeastern Indiana is one of the state’s most biologically diverse and geologically interesting areas.

You will assess the environmental quality of our local creeks and streams, investigate climate and disturbance using tree ring analysis, collect 400-million-year-old fossils, learn to identify local animals and plants, and have a great experience doing so in our state-of-the-art laboratories and outside on our hiking trails.

Using the tools of modern science to study the natural world, the week will culminate in a scholars’ symposium, where you’ll have the opportunity to display and present your findings.

Exploring Engineering

If engineering, math, and science are subjects you are most passionate about, this weeklong residential engineering camp is right up your alley.

You will explore the many fields of engineering, while also participating in many of the same hands-on activities that Hanover College students experience in engineering classes.

Work with Arduino microcomputers, build a solar water heater, practice soldering and testing an electronic circuit, and more. In addition, there will be engineering-related field trips during the week.

Future Therapist Academy: Exploring Physical and Occupational Therapy Careers

Ready to move, learn, and discover your future? Dive into the exciting realms of physical and occupational therapy, where movement meets occupation. This camp offers high school students an engaging platform to explore the art and science behind healing and independence.

Through interactive workshops, real-world simulations, and activities led by licensed physical and occupational therapists, you’ll learn how these careers help people heal, move, and live their best lives. Whether you’re stretching your mind in the lab, exploring therapist tools in action, or discovering how the human body adapts and recovers, you’ll leave camp inspired – and one step closer to your future in healthcare!

Health Science Institute

Get a jump on your passion for making a meaningful difference in a career field in high demand — not only in Indiana, but across the nation.

During the Health Science institute, you’ll work directly with professors in labs and learn about being a pre-health student at Hanover. In the process, you’ll gain preparation for career paths like nursing, medicine, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.

You’ll experience working with health professionals, like pharmacists and physician assistants, who will share real-life patient stories and teach hands-on skills in delivering patient care.

You’ll leave with an exceptional idea of which health professions would best fit you, what college paths will get you there, and what factors impact the health and well-being of people in your community.   The Health Science Summer Academy is delivered in partnership with the East Indiana Area Health Education Center.

Making Movies: From Script to Screen

Students will learn how films and television shows are produced beginning with the pitch through the script writing process to filming and post production. We will recreate several scenes from films and/or television shows while shooting both in the studio and on location. Students will receive a digital copy of their projects to take home.

Psychology of Popular Culture

Discover the power of popular culture, especially film, music, and television. We will consider why popular art really matters to people and how it may psychologically impact our daily lives.

We will consider topics like the emotional power of music and whether watching movies and TV influences human behavior. Students will have opportunities to explore aspects of popular culture that have been personally important to them.

Race to Market: Idea to Impact

Want to get a jumpstart on a business career while gaining insights into how you’re wired for success? The Race to Market Institute will introduce you to business, marketing, and entrepreneurship concepts through hands-on learning. Students will “simulate” how companies grow using the RACERS framework—Reach, Attract, Convert, Engage, Renew, and Scale. Each day will focus on different stages of RACERS, helping you connect big ideas to real business decisions.

 We’ll also dive into real-world case studies of successful businesses (including Coca-Cola, Airbnb, SkyZone, Lilly, and Madison area ventures) and hear from real entrepreneurs and CEOs. By the end, you’ll be thinking like a founder, confidently presenting ideas and spotting growth gaps while seeing where your passion lies.

 Whatever field or degree you pursue in business, Race to Market will give you a head start and the experience of being part of a go-to-market team!

So You Want to be a Teacher

You know what it’s like to be a student, but have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a teacher? This institute gives you the chance to find out!

Put yourself to the test by drawing up lesson designs and managing a classroom, learn about different types of schools, and engage children in learning environments. Most exciting, you will have the opportunity to prepare lessons from start to finish and get hands-on experience teaching local children!

Experience various aspects of a teacher preparation program and enhance your understanding of the process of becoming a teacher.

Stencil and Screen

This session will introduce creatives to hands-on printmaking techniques used in both fine art and modern design. The class emphasizes craftsmanship, creativity, and experimentation, allowing students to create bold, original designs. Participants will gain familiarity with professional tools, materials, and safety practices used in contemporary print studios, culminating in prints that highlight their personal artistic vision.

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