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The Gateway to Gold: A DePauw Summer Experience

  • Academics
  • The Gateway to Gold: A DePauw Summer Experience

Boost college readiness with our immersive, week-long campus experience

Gateway to Gold: A DePauw Summer Experience introduces rising high school sophomores through seniors to DePauw’s liberal arts education. This program fosters students’ confidence in their problem-solving abilities and enhances 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.

Frequently Asked Questions
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DPyoU Belong

DPyoU Belong is a week-long, overnight camp that introduces students to college life in a supportive and empowering environment. Designed for students who may be first-generation or new to a college campus, DPyoU Belong encourages campers to explore academic interests, build confidence and envision themselves in higher education through hands-on activities, campus living and guided experiences across multiple disciplines.

There are two sessions to choose from:

  • June 16-20
    Application deadline: June 1
    Non-refundable program withdrawal: June 10

  • June 23-27
    Application deadline: June 1
    Non-refundable program withdrawal: June 15

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Solve It! - A STEM and Innovation Discovery Camp

Solve It! is a week-long, overnight STEM camp designed to challenge students to think creatively and collaboratively to tackle real-world problems. Campers explore hands-on projects, innovation labs and design challenges while experiencing life on a college campus.

  • June 30 - July 4
    Application deadline: June 15
    Non-refundable program withdrawal: June 20

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Lead the Future - Business, Entrepreneurship and Leadership Camp

Lead the Future is a week-long, overnight experience that encourages campers to reimagine what business and leadership can be. Rooted in a liberal arts approach, campers explore how creativity, critical thinking, communication and ethical decision-making intersect with business and innovation.

  • July 7-11
    Application deadline: June 25
    Non-refundable program withdrawal: June 30

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Create + Perform - Arts, Media and Storytelling Camp

Create + Perform is a week-long, overnight camp that invites students to explore the power of the arts through creative expression and performance. Campers will engage in storytelling, film, spoken-word, theater and more to learn how stories shape culture, identity and community.

  • July 14-18
    Application deadline: June 30
    Non-refundable program withdrawal: July 7

  • June 16-20
  • June 23-27
  • June 30 - July 4
  • July 7-11
  • July 14-18

The cost of the program is FREE for students who are members of a wide range of 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 $100 for families earning less than $175,000 annually, or $300 for families earning above $175,000. Questions about costs for the program can be directed to precollegeprogram@depauw.edu.

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.

Pre-College Program

What our campers 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.

Meet your staff

Mari Santillan headshot
Mari Santillan

Assistant Project Director for Pre-College Programs


(765) 658-4291