Registration for 2026 summer sessions is open through May 15, 2026 

Butler University is expanding its Pre-College Programs as a major initiative of its Boldly Butler strategic direction, which aims to transform the University’s approach to access, innovation, and workforce-aligned education. Beginning this summer, Butler will offer new one-week residential and commuter programs for high school students, giving them early exposure to academic pathways, campus life, and career exploration. 

These programs reflect Butler’s commitment to building inclusive, forward-thinking educational models that start before students even enter college. This summer, new programs will be offered in Business and Healthcare alongside the already popular college Exploratory program. Additional areas such as Engineering and Sports Management are in development for 2027. 

For summer 2026, high school participants may choose from three summer tracks: 

• Exploratory (June 7–12): Exposure to a variety of disciplines to help students find their future path 
• Business (June 21–26): Hands-on experiences in marketing, entrepreneurship, and risk management 
• Healthcare (July 12–17): Simulated labs and real-world learning about health careers 

Students can opt to stay in residence halls for a full college immersion experience or commute daily. All sessions are led by Butler faculty and students and include leadership development and experiential learning. 

Need-based tuition support is available for 21st Century Scholars, students who qualify for free or reduced lunch, and prospective first-generation college students. 

Butler’s pre-college expansion also includes additional youth programming, such as Spring Break Camps launching in 2026, and music education through the Butler Community Arts School. 

“This expansion is about more than summer programming—it’s about opening doors earlier,” Butler University President James Danko said. “Through Boldly Butler, we are intentionally creating pathways that prepare future students to succeed in college and contribute meaningfully in their communities.” 

Supported in part by a $453,750 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Indiana Youth Programs on Campus initiative, the Pre-College Programs directly support several Boldly Butler priorities: 

• Increasing access to higher education through early engagement with high school learners 
• Strengthening interdisciplinary opportunities in high-demand fields like business, healthcare, and engineering 
• Advancing regional well-being through workforce-relevant experiences and health education 

Learn more and register at butler.edu/precollege.