ERIE, Pa. — Penn State Behrend’s summer "College for Kids" program cloaks learning in immersive and imaginative play: Students become storm-chasers, champion cake-bakers, card-trick magicians and green-thumbed plant-growers.
College for Kids courses are designed to both entertain and engage students between the ages of 6 and 14. More than 100 courses are being offered this year.
“The classes give students a taste of what you can do,” said Melanie Ford, director of Youth Education Outreach at Behrend. “This is a great way to spark a new passion, flame an old one and try something new without a huge risk or investment.”
This year, students can create unique objects with molds and sandcasting in the “Manufacturing Maniac” class. They can discover the mysteries of the night skies and get a look inside the Artemis Moon Mission in “Summer Space Explorers.” Or they can learn and sing songs from their favorite Broadway musicals in “Musical Medley Workshop.”
New options include “Gardening 101,” “Introduction to Magic” and “The Sleight of Hand.”
College for Kids also lets young students take advantage of the many resources at Behrend. Manufacturing classes utilize the college’s 3D printers. Art students can take their work outside, drawing inspiration from the many unique arboretum trees.
Research shows that students who are not academically engaged during the summer months often regress in their learning, Ford said, adding that College for Kids courses are an easy way to encourage year-round learning.
“Students can experience a ‘summer slide’ and lose math and reading skills,” she said. “When a child keeps actively using and improving these skills, you can combat that.”
The College for Kids program continues through July 31, with both morning and afternoon sessions. To learn more, or to register a child, call 814-898-6871 or visit the College for Kids website.