Hands-on Career Exploration

UNK's College of Arts and Sciences offers three different academy programs for incoming 11th and 12th grade students. Based around the areas of STEM, Behavioral Health, and Fine Arts and Humanities, the one-year programs will help students build foundational skills in their chosen area, exploring career options and jumpstarting their academic journeys. Students who complete the program are eligible to earn a scholarship to UNK!

Academies will run from October through April. Meetings will take place on one Wednesday a month from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the UNK campus. Lunch will be provided.

Important Information

  • Aug. 1Applications Close
  • Aug. 22 Student selection announced
  • $75Program Cost

Academies

a student works with an elderly woman

Behavioral and Mental Health

This academy is built for students interested in exploring careers in counseling, psychology, social work, or other behavioral health fields. The program is designed to inspire the next generation of professionals committed to improving individual and community well-being.

Student who successfully complete the Behavioral Health Academy will earn a $1,000 UNK scholarship.

Behavioral and Mental Health Academy meeting dates: Oct 14, Nov 11, Dec 9, Jan 13, Feb 10, March 10, April 14.

Behavioral Health Application

students in lab gear work on an experiment

STEM

This academy is built for students interested in exploring careers in science, engineering, or mathematics. The program will feature hands-on activities, guest speakers, field trips, and advanced STEM education lead by UNK faculty.

Student who successfully complete the STEM Academy will earn a $500 UNK scholarship.

STEM Academy meeting dates: Oct 7, Nov 4, Feb 3, March 3, April 14.

STEM Application

students work in a radio booth

Fine Arts and Humanities

This academy is built for students interested in exploring careers in fine arts and humanities fields. The program will feature guest speakers, field trips, and advanced education through hands-on learning lead by UNK faculty and industry professionals.

Student who successfully complete the Fine Arts and Humanities Academy will earn a $500 UNK scholarship.

Fine Arts and Humanities Academy meeting dates: Oct 21, Nov 18, Jan 20, Feb 17, April 14.

Fine Arts and Humanities Application

For more information, email Jessica Wall Alber (wallalberj@unk.edu)