Junior Scholars Academy

JSA is a summer commuter program designed specifically for bright elementary and middle school students who want to thoroughly explore a topic - all while having fun with other kids who share their enthusiasm for learning. Students from 2nd to 8th grade with a deep curiosity, a love of learning, or a lot of talent in a particular area will feel right at home in JSA. Classes run from 9am - 4pm every day for a full week - and these aren't just any regular classes! With past options like Harry Potter, STEAM, Mixed Media Art, Engineering, Virtual Reality, Programming (and more!), we're sure to have something for any curious kid.

About the Program

JSA takes place at the Blank Honors Center.

  • Session 1: June 13-17, 2022
  • Session 2: June 20-24, 2022
  • Session 3: July 5-8, 2022
  • Session 4: July 11-15, 2022
  • Session 5: July 18-22, 2022

Students will spend their days at the Belin-Blank Center on the University of Iowa campus, learning all about one of their favorite subjects, in a class full of other bright kids their age who share their enthusiasm for learning. Each day will be filled with activities, opportunities to develop friendships, and excitement for learning!

The JSA program is designed to challenge students in their areas of interest and strength. Students explore a single advanced level topic for the entire week. Class sizes are small, and they take place on the University of Iowa campus, giving your child access to valuable university resources and experts. Our instructors are vetted professionals, including classroom teachers, local artists, graduate students, and professors who have the expertise to delve into a subject at an advanced level, while keeping it accessible for the age group.

We encourage careful reading of the course descriptions when choosing classes. Specific questions about course content should be directed to summer@belinblank.org.

It was amazing and I learned so much. I also loved being surrounded by kids who all have the same passion for learning.

JSA Student

2022 Classes

June 13-17, 2022

Medical & Vet Academy Section 1

Grades 2-4

June 13 - June 17, 2022

Join us to learn about working with patients (both human and animals!). Students will learn about working as a team with other healthcare professionals. The Academy will give students the opportunity to learn about human and animal anatomy, and possible ways to help both if they become injured or ill. Be ready to learn how to keep your human and animal friends happy and healthy!

June 20-24, 2022

Medical & Vet Academy Section 2

Grades 3-4

June 20 - June 24, 2022

Join us to learn about working with patients (both human and animals!). Students will learn about working as a team with other healthcare professionals. The Academy will give students the opportunity to learn about human and animal anatomy, and possible ways to help both if they become injured or ill. Be ready to learn how to keep your human and animal friends happy and healthy!

Creative Writing

Grades 5-6

June 20 - June 24, 2022

Discover your inner writer while exploring a variety of creative writing formats. Anticipated activities also include adventures like a walking tour of historical sites around Iowa City, readings from adult creative writers, exploration of Writers' Workshop, and collaboration with professional and novice writers. Activities will center around stimulating the creative process, as well as practicing and honing your craft. 

STEAM

Grades 5-6

June 20 - June 24, 2022

Get a taste of science, technology, engineering, art, and math in this hands-on class. This course will introduce students to engineering and building, stop-motion animation, pixel art, augmented reality and more!

July 5-8, 2022

Herpetology

Grades 7-8

July 05 - July 08, 2022

This class is offered in partnership with Iowa Wildlife Camps. Students will participate in field study at the Macbride Nature Recreation Area. Students will engage in hands-on investigation and inquiry related to the study of reptiles and amphibians. Upper-level biological concepts (e.g., ecology, anatomy, evolution, and conservation) will be explored.

July 11-15, 2022

Be an Engineer Section 1

Grades 3-4

July 11 - July 15, 2022

Dip your toes into the wonderful world of science and engineering. Together we will discover how to build towers that withstand earthquakes. You'll be a chemical engineer by designing your very own oil-spill-cleaning operation. We will explore everything about trajectory by doing fun Mechanical engineering experiments. Medical and biological engineering will show us where to find bacteria and how to make them visible, why different liquids have different densities, and what all of that means for us. Are you ready for an amazing week of science?

July 18-22, 2022

Be an Engineer Section 2

Grades 3-4

July 18 - July 22, 2022

Dip your toes into the wonderful world of science and engineering. Together we will discover how to build towers that withstand earthquakes. You'll be a chemical engineer by designing your very own oil-spill-cleaning operation. We will explore everything about trajectory by doing fun Mechanical engineering experiments. Medical and biological engineering will show us where to find bacteria and how to make them visible, why different liquids have different densities, and what all of that means for us. Are you ready for an amazing week of science?

 

Programming

Grades 5-6

July 18 - July 22, 2022

Have you ever wanted to learn a computer programming language? If so, join us to learn Python! Whether you are new to programming or have some experience, Python is a great language to learn. Python is used for web development, machine learning, data science and much more. In this course, we’ll learn to use data structures, conditional expressions, loops, functions and objects to accomplish a variety of projects including; a Mad Libs generator, a desktop notifier, an adventure game, search algorithms, robotics and possibly some data mining. The possibilities are endless. Apply today! Seats are very limited.

How to Apply

Ready to Apply? The application process is straightforward, but we recommend careful consideration of your child's academic strengths and interests when selecting a class. We're here to help with all the information you will need in order to complete the application.

Eligibility

Each class will have a grade range listed, students who are currently in those grades can apply to the class. They do not need to be in a talented and gifted program to apply. Qualified students will show a high level of interest in the topic, motivation to learn, and ability to positively contribute to a classroom environment.

Application Process

To apply online, parents and/or students answer two questions:

  • How does this student's performance compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in this content area?
  • What else should we know, if anything, about this student's academic profile?

Selection

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of Belin-Blank Center faculty and staff. Program acceptance is based on a review of the student’s strengths and interests. The selection committee works to ensure that the class is a good academic fit to nurture the student’s potential.

Selected students will be notified on a rolling basis no later than the end of May.

After You're Accepted

Get ready for lots of learning and tons of fun! Here you can find answers to all the questions you may have while making your plans to join us.

Cost & Financial Aid

Cost

Each student will pay a program fee of $480 per class. This fee covers tuition, books, and materials. Please note the fee for the program is not eligible for tax credits or other pre-tax reimbursements because it is an educational rather than child care program.

Payment Deadlines

You must either pay in full or have arranged monthly installments by the first day of the program in order to participate in the program. All fees are payable to the Belin-Blank Center.

Payment Options

There are three options to pay program fees:

  1. Pay the entire amount on a credit card.
  2. Pay in three equal monthly installments using a credit card.

Financial Aid

If selected, you may apply for financial aid when you enroll your student in the program. Financial aid is awarded on a first-come-first-served basis, while funds are available. Eligibility is typically determined by qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. After your information is reviewed, a decision will be made, and you will receive an email regarding the amount of your award. Awards will be applied directly to your program fee.

Daily Schedule

Classes will be held from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Students must attend the full length of the program. Teachers plan instructional activities based on the scheduled time. Student attendance and participation are essential to receive the full benefit of instruction.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations of a student's enrollment must be processed by Belin-Blank Center staff.

  1. If a cancellation occurs at least four weeks before the class begins, we will refund program fees, less a $100 cancellation fee per class.
  2. If a cancellation occurs less than four weeks before the class starts, we will refund half the cost of program fees.
  3. If a cancellation occurs within a week of the start date of the class, no refund is given to any cancellations, regardless of circumstance.
  4. If a student misses class, regardless of reason, program fees will not be prorated and refunds will not be issued.

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summer@belinblank.org belinblank@uiowa.edu
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1-319-335-6148
1-800-336-6463