June 5, 2024
This summer, the AUB campus will be humming with activity as dozens of high school students take part in a variety of pre-university programs ranging from a few days to five weeks long. Led by our award-winning faculty, the programs aim to inspire, involve, and prepare young leaders from across Lebanon and around the world as they ready themselves for the next step in their educational journeys.
Ninth to eleventh graders who are looking for engaging and educating summer activities can select from among eleven programs that offer them hands-on training and an opportunity to tackle real-life challenges, shadowing professionals and engaging in community projects. The programs have been designed around academic fields, community-service, wellbeing, college preparation, or general understanding of the Lebanese culture and the modern Middle East.
Associate Provost Fida Afiouni explains that the aim of these programs is to level the playing field by offering comprehensive preparatory resources that enhance students' prospects for university acceptance.
Dr. Afiouni is head of AUB's Continuing Education Center (CEC) which holds the Summer Program for AUB Alumni Children (SPAAC) and the STREAM Into College program. The CEC also supports other summer programs held by various faculties across campus.
Hosting students from around the world with housing options, SPAAC offers 14–18-year-olds courses in the Arabic language and the history of the Middle East, alongside elective courses in drawing, design, acting, and game and mobile app development. Throughout the program, the participants enjoy country excursions and group outings around Beirut. Another popular program is STREAM Into College, which introduces high-school students to skills, qualities, and procedures necessary for a successful college experience. This includes research and academics, SAT examination prep, college counseling, career guidance, and soft skills development.
Hazmeen Abdi, a former Stream Into College participant, said of her experience, ““The workshops and the class sessions taught me what teamwork is. I learned listening and communication skills that are very useful for high school and for my future college career."
Many faculties offer summer camps, most lasting 1-2 weeks. There are numerous covering STEM subjects, such as artificial intelligence and data science, as well as camps focused on math, physics, and civil engineering. There are also a number of camps related to health and wellness, such as nursing, health sciences policy, and the “Eat Right, Move More Bootcamp," as well as one on “Let's Do Business" from OSB.
This year, the approach has been to ensure that all interested students have an equal opportunity to join these programs. While some programs are offered for free, others charge nominal fees, and some others offer scholarships to encourage students in schools around Lebanon that do not offer college or career counseling.
“Our commitment is rooted in the belief that educational equity is essential, and by nurturing this, we empower students from all backgrounds to achieve their academic ambitions," said Afiouni.
Find out more on the Summer@AUB webpage.