Summer Programs  |   Updated April 12, 2007

Duquesne University | Visit their website

   Speed Reading, Comprehension, and Study Skills Summer Program

These summer programs, offered through Duquesne Universities School of Leadership and Professional Advancement, are designed to increase students reading speeds while helping them learn comprehension, concentration, and retention techniques.  They also teach the students the best ways to study textbooks, take notes, prepare for tests, and develop vocabulary.  

There are two different programs offered to high school students:

   Program 6 - For 9th - 11th Graders
                       (June 15 - July 13,  July 16 - Aug. 3, or July 20 - Aug. 17)

   Program 7 - For Entering 12th Graders and College Students
                       (June 15 - July 3 or July 20 - Aug. 17)  

These programs are a great way to prepare for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and college.

All programs meet once each week at either the Forest Hills, Christ Lutheran School or on the campus of Duquesne University.  Tuition and fees vary by program level.

For more information you can call Duquesne's School of Leadership and Professional Advancement at (800) 978-9596.

Andrew's Leap Summer Program | Visit their Website

Andrew’s Leap is a summer enrichment program run by the Carnegie Mellon University School of Computer Science. All local area high school students are invited to participate. On rare occasions, a middle school student will successfully gain admission to the program. Participants will have access to resources usually reserved for Ph.D students and research scientists.

Through special classes and independent projects, students will be exposed to the frontiers of computer science. They will “leap” ahead approximately ten years.  Students will have an opportunity to interact with some of the country’s leading scientists. Andrew’s Leap has been run every summer since 1991.

This year the Andrew's Leap curriculum contains a new afternoon track in theoretical computer science. Working with two graduate students specializing in the area, the students tackle mathematical proofs similar to those upon which graduate students are working. The ultimate goal of the track is for the students to do something new and have something publishable at the end of the program.


Summer Health Career Academy  

The Health Career Academy will take place for five days, July 17-21, on the main campus of the University of Pittsburgh.  The academy is designed for current ninth and tenth grade students who are interested in learning about opportunities in various health careers and the academic preparation necessary for these careers.  

Students admitted into the program will meet and talk to practicing healthcare professionals, engage in health career activities, learn to monitor vital signs, engage in hands on medical procedures, learn basic medical terminology, and receive training in leadership skills.

The academy is funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Education division of the Governor's School of Excellence.  

Important Information:

     Dates:  July 17 - 21
     Cost:   FREE
     Open to:  Current 9th and 10th grade students
     Location:  University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
     Application deadline: Friday, April 28, 2006.

     For additional information call 412-247-0492

Applications can be picked up in the West Mifflin Area High School guidance office.


Saint Vincent College - Challenge 2007

The Challenge Program at Saint Vincent College is designed for academically motivated students, grades 6-12.  All classes through the program are designed to stimulate the imagination as well as the intellect.  

2007 Course offerings:
   Mock Trial and the Justice System           Internet Technology              

   Rocketry                                                        Magnificent Metal
   Into the Woods                                            C.S.I. Challenge
   Photography                                                 The American Revolution
   Sim Soc                                                           Become a Rock Star
   Outdoor Challenge                                       A Star on the Stage
   Video Magic                                                  Make Your Mark
   Entrepreneurship                                          Emergency Medicine
   Shedding Light on the Dark Ages

Dates: July 8-13   (grades 6-8)
          July 15-20 (grades 9-12)

Tuition: $600 - includes: residence in the new freshman dorm, 3 meals per day,
                                     instruction, evening activities, materials, and a 
                                     Challenge T-shirt.

Application deadline: June 15, 2007


Clarion University - Mock Trial Summer Academy

Through this academy students will have the opportunity to learn and practice skills incorporated within the legal field.  Students will gain a better and more thorough understanding of the nature of legal advocacy and courtroom behavior.  Attention will be given to the differences between an argument and an issue, defense and prosecutorial case construction, witness preparation, and the use of questioning in a trial process.  The academy will culminate with the students participating in actual mock trials at the Clarion County Courthouse.

Dates:  July 16 - 21

Tuition:  $250 application fee (returned if not accepted into academy)
             Those accepted in the academy will be awarded a Presidential 
             Scholarship worth $1500.  This will cover the cost of room, board,
             class materials, and recreational activities.

Application deadline:  May 15, 2006

  *** See Mr. Aufman for an application


California University of Pennsylvania:   |   Visit their Website
      Science and Technology Leadership Academy

This academy is open to students that will be entering their senior year of high school. 

The STLA  takes place between July 8 and 29.  Students are housed in the new world-class Honors  Residence Hall on the California University campus.  Completion of the STLA earns students  six (6) honors level college credits.