GEAR UP for College Summer Camp
Summer Spark: Ignite Your Future at Minneapolis College
This summer, Minneapolis College is excited to welcome 50 high school students from Minneapolis Public Schools to Summer Spark, a dynamic and immersive campus experience designed to introduce students to the possibilities of college and career pathways.
Through hands-on learning and real-world experiences, students will explore college life, financial aid, scholarships, PSEO, student support services, and career opportunities in high-demand fields.
Schedule of Events
Day 1: Tuesday, June 10
Time | Activity
9 a.m. | Check-In/Breakfast
10 a.m. | Scavenger Hunt
11 a.m. | Student Panel
12:15 p.m. | Lunch
1 p.m. | Faculty Experiential Learning Session
2:30 p.m. | Wrap-up/Closing
3 p.m. | End of Day
Day 2: Wednesday, June 11
Time | Activity
9 a.m. | Check-In/Breakfast
10 a.m. | Faculty Experiential Learning Session
11:30 a.m. | Student Resources Jamboree
12 p.m. | Lunch
1 p.m. | Field Trip to Guthrie Theater
2:45 p.m. | Return to Minneapolis College
3 p.m. | End of Day
Day 3: Thursday, June 12
Time | Activity
9 a.m. | Check-In/Breakfast
10 a.m. | Field Trip to Minnehaha Falls
12:15 p.m. | Lunch
1 p.m. | Open Gym/Team Activity
3 p.m. | End of Day/Closing Remarks
An Unforgettable Summer Experience
As part of the Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)—a nationally recognized, federally funded initiative—Summer Spark will give students a behind-the-scenes look at Minneapolis College, including:
- State-of-the-art IT classrooms
- Hands-on nursing labs
- High-tech trades facilities where students can create a take-home project using professional-grade equipment
Students will also venture beyond campus with special field trips to:
- The Guthrie Theatre, exploring careers in the arts
- Minnehaha Falls, discovering opportunities in environmental sciences
Participants will receive:
- Free SWAG bags with t-shirts, water bottles, and notebooks
- Breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided daily
- A Metro Transit Pass valid for the entire summer
Who Can Participate?
Students in the Minneapolis Public Schools GEAR UP cohort. First-generation college students, students of color, and those from low-income backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Interested students should contact their GEAR UP school counselor to learn more!
For any other questions regarding the camp, contact Mandy Thor at mandy.thor@minneapolis.edu.
Your future starts now—discover the possibilities with Summer Spark!