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The Gateway to Gold: A DePauw Summer Experience

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  • The Gateway to Gold: A DePauw Summer Experience

Pre-College Program

The Gateway to Gold: A DePauw Summer Experience program introduces rising high school sophomores through seniors to DePauw’s liberal arts experience and will foster students’ confidence in their problem-solving abilities and enhance their college readiness skills through a week-long, overnight campus experience.

Courses will mirror a typical class at DePauw in which faculty and staff members lead students in projects and small group discussions. During the program, students will also work with current DePauw student Mentors and Resident Assistant (RAs) who will guide students through their time on campus and facilitate activities outside of the courses they take.

Students will choose their courses from six themes including:

  1. Create and Innovate
  2. Business and Leadership
  3. Art and Performance
  4. Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM)
  5. Equity, Sustainability, and Social Change
  6. College 101

 

Program costs

The cost of the program is FREE for students who are members of a wide range of Indiana community-based organizations (CBOs), including the Boys and Girls Club, the Center for Leadership Development, and the YMCA. If you are not a member of a CBO, tuition for each program is $50 for Indiana families earning less than $175,000 annually, or $200 for Indiana families earning above $175,000.Questions about costs for the program can be directed to precollegeprogram@depauw.edu.

2025 Registration

 

Sessions for parents and families

After students are dropped off on campus for the programs, parents, families, and guardians are invited to attend an admissions and financial aid information session, a campus tour, and lunch hosted by DePauw staff. When registering for a camp session, there is a question asking how many parents/guardians (if any) plan to attend the information session. These sessions will also be open to community-based organization staff members.

 

2026 sessions 1-5

Dates

  • June 15 – 20
  • June 22 – 27
  • July 6 – 11
  • July 13 – 18
  • July 20 – 25

Pre-College Program

What our students are saying

Interactive Campus Life

I loved interacting with people, learning about colleges and living in dorms.

Fun Learning Experience

I would recommend this camp to others because it is very fun and you learn a lot from the mentors and instructors and the food is great!

Campus Preview Opportunity

Yes, because it gives you the opportunity to see what living on campus looks like and what classes you can take.

Grateful for Support

Everything was great and I am really grateful for everyone and the support from the instructors and mentors. Thank you!

Amazing DePauw Experience

Amazing, Thank you Depauw!! I thank all the student mentors and professors for helping with this experience :)

Positive College Journey

This was a very positive experience for me on my college journey and I would gladly do it again.

Future Freshman Consideration

I look forward to considering this college for my Freshman year.

Contact Us

Students walking through campus with East College in the background

Mari Santillan

Assistant Project Director for Pre-College Programs