NKU offers numerous Summer Programs for incoming students ranging from engagement to academic prep. Explore each program below to see which ones are right for you. See more than one you like? Students are welcome to apply for multiple summer experiences. Check our summer calendar to see which programs overlap and which ones best fit your schedule!
Audience: Students interested majoring in STEM
STEM Ready is a focused two-week summer bridge experience in which students will be able to strengthen their mathematics skills and engage with faculty, students, and staff to prepare them for their first year of college. Students that participate in the summer program will also be supported throughout their first year through a STEM orientation course.
Audience: All residential, first-year students
Fresh Start is a two-day overnight retreat that provides incoming residential first-year students with the opportunity to meet new people and make connections with upperclassman in a small group setting. This retreat introduces students to resources available on campus and helps build new students’ leadership and personal development. Website coming soon.
Audience: All incoming students
Summer Spark is NKU’s five-week summer bridge program that provides all incoming first-year students with the opportunity to acclimate to college while earning college credit, all before classes even start in the fall. Summer Spark is for students who want to get a head-start transitioning into their first year of college, know where everything is on campus, meet new people, and experience college first-hand.
Audience: Required for all incoming students
All incoming students are required to participate in a half-day Northern Exposure: Orienation program, offered either in-person or virtually. Student will also be required to fully participate in the first two days of Victorfest, August 20-21.
Audience: All incoming African-American students
NKU R.O.C.K.S. (Responsibility, Opportunity, Community, Knowledge and Success) is African American Initiatives signature program, designed to ease the academic, personal, and social transition from high school to college through a one-week Summer Institute and yearlong programming.
Audience: All incoming Latino students
The LAMP program provides peer-to-peer mentoring for first-year students with upperclassmen. The program provides Latino students at NKU with a support system comprised of fellow students, faculty, and staff to help students achieve academic and social success.
Northern Kentucky University
Lucas Administrative Center
400 Nunn Drive
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Toll Free: +1 (800) 637-9948
Local: +1 (859) 572-5220
