Basketball camps and reading programs for all ages build skills, confidence
This summer, Clark University will welcome pre-college students to campus for special programming both in and outside of the classroom. From psychology and theatre to basketball and reading, these enriching programs provide an opportunity to build skills, jumpstart academic studies, and explore areas of interest.
Discover Psychology: Summer Academy at Clark University
This immersive one-week program lets rising high school juniors and seniors dive into the world of psychology and explore subfields including clinical, cognitive, developmental, and social. Clark University faculty will lead interactive talks and discussions, and students will see how the study of psychology can address real-world problems through hands-on activities and experiential learning. Students will also engage in hands-on projects that they will be able to present during the University’s annual ClarkFEST research showcase in the fall.
“What excites me most about this program is the immersive experience it offers high school students,” says Professor Ana Marcelo. “With a small cohort, we can tailor the program to students’ interests, providing a personalized experience. This truly gives students a glimpse of college life at a small liberal arts research university.”
The program will feature a Personal Statement Writing Workshop to help students discuss their summer program experiences in their college application materials. In addition, each participant will receive a personal letter of evaluation from a Clark faculty member.
Workshops will also be held for students’ families on topics including financial aid, finding the right school, supporting students through the application process, and managing the transition from high school to college.
Discover Psychology will be held July 7 to 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
Learn more about Discover Psychology: Summer Academy
Clark University Theatre Summer Intensive (CUTSI)
This two-week intensive theatre camp, taught by professional actors, designers, and Clark University faculty, focuses on foundational theatre skills, audition techniques, and collaborative storytelling. Campers of all levels will participate in workshops to hone their skills in monologue, scene study, voice and speech, character development, and contemporary movement. On July 18, they will show off their work in a performance for families and friends.
“Here at Clark Theatre Arts, we believe that the magic of storytelling is for everyone,” says Jessie Darrell-Jarbadan, associate professor of practice and director of the Clark University Theatre Arts Program. “This summer, we are so excited to welcome high schoolers to our theatre home to learn from the same professional educators and artists who work with our undergraduate and graduate students during the academic year. This program is designed to foster the storyteller and artist in every student. We can’t wait to hear what each camper has to say.”
CUTSI is open to rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, as well as students entering college in fall 2025. The session will be held July 7 to 18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
Learn more about the Clark University Theatre Summer Intensive
Summer Game Studio
Summer Game Studio is a two-week game design program that immerses high school students (and recent high school graduates) in the Becker School of Design & Technology (BSDT). It teaches all aspects of game design and development — from concept art to coding; from sound design to playtesting — and empowers students with the skills to create their own video games from scratch. Students learn from the same faculty who have made the BSDT’s undergraduate program earn the No. 3 ranking in the world by The Princeton Review.
“At the end of high school, I wasn’t sure if game design was going to be my major, and didn’t feel confident about where I would go if it were my major,” says Skyler Barron ’22, MFA ’23, a former participant and now BSDT professor. “Summer Game Studio let me see that I love game design and helped me make that big decision.”
There are two Summer Game Studio sessions in 2025 — students may attend one or both. Game Studio (July 6–19) is geared toward any high school student or recent grad who wants to build on their experience and become a game-maker. Game Studio, Next Level (July 20–August 2) is designed for motivated students who have completed a session of the BSDT Game Studio or those with foundational game design knowledge who want to take their skills to the next level.
Learn more about Summer Game Studio
Nike Basketball Camp at Clark University
Open to young athletes of all abilities, the ASA Hoops Nike Basketball Camp at Clark University will work on developing fundamentals, shooting, and team-play skills to help improve overall game and confidence.
The camp, for ages 7 to 16, is divided into two levels: “Player Development” for participants under age 10 and “High Performance” for those 11 and up. Half- and full-day options, as well as extended days, are available.
Four sessions will be offered: June 16–20; July 7–10; July 14–18; and July 21–25. The week of July 7 includes a residential option, and students will stay in a Clark residence hall.
Coaches will include Corey Lowe, head boys’ basketball coach at Newton High School and director of player development for ASA Hoops; Chris Foley, head men’s varsity coach at Montachusett Regional Technical High School in Fitchburg, Massachusetts; and Matt Cho, ASA Hoops coach.
Learn more about Nike Basketball Camp at Clark
Summer Reading Skills Programs
The School of Professional Studies has partnered with the Institute of Reading Development to offer Summer Reading Skills Programs for students in pre-K through 12th grade. These programs teach key reading skills, from phonics and sight words for younger children to comprehension, reading speed, and textbook strategies for older kids, and everything in between.
Students attend weekly classes that build skills and provide experiences with books filled with interesting characters, exciting storylines, and engaging themes. Between classes, students will practice reading and complete fun, interactive lessons that develop core skills and build confidence.
