Health for the Whole Person
A Summer in The Heights pre-college experience for students in grades 10–12.
This summer program takes high school students beyond the basics of health and wellness. Through hands-on labs, certifications like CPR, fitness assessments, and deep-dive workshops, you’ll discover how the dimensions of personal health connect to the well-being of the people and communities around you—and leave with practical skills and a personal resiliency toolkit you can use right away.
What to Expect
Gain practical certifications, life-saving skills, and a deeper understanding of how personal health and community well-being are connected—all through high-energy, hands-on exploration.
Who Will Thrive
This program is for students who enjoy helping others and want to explore how the body and mind work. If you’re curious about healthcare careers or want to grow in your understanding of personal health and wellness, this week will give you the tools and experiences to go deeper.
What You'll Study
You’ll master life-saving skills like CPR, dive into the science of nutrition and infection control, and explore how social factors shape community health. You’ll also learn to conduct comprehensive fitness assessments and build a personalized resiliency toolkit to manage stress and navigate life transitions with confidence.
How The Week Works
Each day blends expert-led presentations with hands-on activities—think Glow Germ experiments, fitness testing, and mindful self-care stations. You’ll also take part in pre-college programming and field trips. The week culminates in a Friday capstone where you demonstrate your new expertise to family and friends.
Cost
Both options include the same seminars, discussions, and creative projects.
Day Student
- All seminars & sessions
- Lunch daily
- Guest talks & sessions
- On-campus housing
- Evening activities
Residential
- All seminars & sessions
- All meals included
- Guest talks & sessions
- On-campus housing (5 nights)
- Evening activities
How to Apply
You can easily apply by following the steps below. Need-based scholarships may be available; please indicate your interest on the application form.
- Complete the Summer in The Heights application form and indicate your interest in the Young Writers Workshop.
- Applications are due by Monday, March 16, 2026.
Program Director
Led by a team of JCU College of Health faculty and specialized facilitators passionate about helping students see health as more than the absence of illness.
- Jackie Zera, Ph.D. — Associate Professor, Exercise Science & Sports Leadership
More questions?
Get answers on housing, meals, packing, and more.
