This summer, DePaul University's College of Science and Health (CSH) is expanding opportunities for young learners to discover the exciting world of science, mathematics, health, and data through two immersive summer programs designed to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders. The College is proud to offer the 2nd Annual Young Explorers' Science & Health Institute for middle school students and the newly re-imagined High School Summer Actuarial Institute for high school students, providing engaging, hands-on learning experiences led by DePaul faculty and industry professionals.

Together, these programs reflect the College's commitment to cultivating curiosity, confidence in STEM, and career exploration while building a strong, diverse pipeline of future STEM scholars, actuaries, psychologists, researchers, and health care professionals.

The 2nd Annual Young Explorers' Science & Health Institute will take place August 10–14, 2026, on DePaul's beautiful Lincoln Park Campus. Designed for rising sixth through eighth grade students (ages 11–14), the five-day institute offers an immersive introduction to a wide range of STEM and health disciplines through interactive workshops, collaborative projects, and hands-on activities.

Limited to just 25 students at $575 per student, the program provides participants with an opportunity to explore mathematics, biology, physics, psychology, and speech-language sciences while learning directly from DePaul's accomplished faculty. Daily sessions will be led by Dr. Jessica Wacker, Dr. Dakeishla Diaz-Morales, Dr. Nyssa Snow-Hill, Dr. Brian Luczak, and Dr. Bernhard Beck-Winchatz, with support from Emma Pisello, Student Success Navigator.

One week earlier on the Lincoln Park Campus, DePaul will host its newly re-imagined High School Summer Actuarial Institute, a free five-day program introducing high school students to the growing and rewarding field of actuarial science. Scheduled for August 3–7, 2026, the institute offers students an inside look at careers focused on risk management, financial modeling, probability, and statistics while demonstrating how mathematics can solve real-world challenges.

Thanks to the generous support of the Society of Actuaries, HCSC Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Milliman, the program is offered free of charge and limited to 20 students. The program includes hands-on experiential learning, guest speakers from the actuarial profession, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and complimentary lunch each day. The institute will be led by Dr. Yuanying Guan with support from current actuarial science undergraduate students and Dr. Michael Roberts, Senior Assistant Dean for Student Success.

Both summer institutes embody DePaul’s College of Science and Health mission to make high-quality STEM and health education accessible and engaging for students at pivotal stages in their academic journeys. By introducing participants to faculty and university student mentors, collaborative learning environments, and exciting career pathways, the College of Science and Health hopes to ignite curiosity that extends well beyond the classroom.

For questions or additional information about either program, please contact CSHStudentSuccess@depaul.edu.