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The Gateway to Gold: A ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ Summer Experience

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  • The Gateway to Gold: A ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ Summer Experience

Boost college readiness with our immersive, week-long campus experience

Gateway to Gold: A ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ Summer Experience introduces rising high school sophomores through seniors to ÃØÉ«´«Ã½’s liberal arts education. This program fosters students’ confidence in their problem-solving abilities and enhances their college readiness skills through a week-long, overnight campus experience.

Courses will mirror a typical class at ÃØÉ«´«Ã½, in which faculty and staff members lead students in projects and small group discussions. During the program, students will also work with current ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ student mentors and resident assistant (RAs) who will guide students through their time on campus and facilitate activities outside of the courses they take.

Students practicing snare drums in a music room

DPyoU Belong

DPyoU Belong is a week-long, overnight camp that introduces students to college life in a supportive and empowering environment. Designed for students who may be first-generation or new to a college campus, DPyoU Belong encourages campers to explore academic interests, build confidence and envision themselves in higher education through hands-on activities, campus living and guided experiences across multiple disciplines.

There are two sessions to choose from:

  • June 16-20
    Application deadline: June 1
    Non-refundable program withdrawal: June 10

  • June 23-27
    Application deadline: June 1
    Non-refundable program withdrawal: June 15

An instructor and students exploring an outdoor rock quarry

Solve It! - A STEM and Innovation Discovery Camp

Solve It! is a week-long, overnight STEM camp designed to challenge students to think creatively and collaboratively to tackle real-world problems. Campers explore hands-on projects, innovation labs and design challenges while experiencing life on a college campus.

  • June 30 - July 4
    Application deadline: June 15
    Non-refundable program withdrawal: June 20

A student leading a group discussion in a classroom

Lead the Future - Business, Entrepreneurship and Leadership Camp

Lead the Future is a week-long, overnight experience that encourages campers to reimagine what business and leadership can be. Rooted in a liberal arts approach, campers explore how creativity, critical thinking, communication and ethical decision-making intersect with business and innovation.

  • July 7-11
    Application deadline: June 25
    Non-refundable program withdrawal: June 30

Three students laughing and playing music in a classroom

Create + Perform - Arts, Media and Storytelling Camp

Create + Perform is a week-long, overnight camp that invites students to explore the power of the arts through creative expression and performance. Campers will engage in storytelling, film, spoken-word, theater and more to learn how stories shape culture, identity and community.

  • July 14-18
    Application deadline: June 30
    Non-refundable program withdrawal: July 7

  • June 16-20
  • June 23-27
  • June 30 - July 4
  • July 7-11
  • July 14-18

The cost of the program is FREE for students who are members of a wide range of community-based organizations (CBOs), including the Boys and Girls Club, the Center for Leadership Development and the YMCA. If you are not a member of a CBO, tuition for each program is $100 for families earning less than $175,000 annually, or $300 for families earning above $175,000. Questions about costs for the program can be directed to precollegeprogram@depauw.edu.

After students are dropped off on campus for the programs, parents, families and guardians are invited to attend an admissions and financial aid information session, a campus tour and lunch hosted by ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ staff. When registering for a camp session, there is a question asking how many parents/guardians (if any) plan to attend the information session. These sessions will also be open to community-based organization staff members.

Pre-College Program

What our campers are saying

Meet your staff

Mari Santillan headshot
Mari Santillan

Assistant Project Director for Pre-College Programs


(765) 658-4291