Youth Programs
Discover. Connect. Grow.
Welcome to Purdue Fort Wayne
Through our youth programs, you will have the opportunity to work alongside expert faculty, check out our facilities, and discover new passions that may become lifelong pursuits. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where every student feels inspired to innovate, collaborate, and grow.
Stats
2000+
Youths on campus each year
6
Colleges
100+
Programs
Explore Your Interests
Get to know our campus
We offer programs for K–12 students all year. Whether you are looking for a short-term summer enrichment experience or a college preparatory opportunity, Purdue Fort Wayne offers programs that are fun, intellectually stimulating, and memorable.
Program List
Explore available programs.
Best suited for students interested in the arts, music, theatre, and technology. Day camps and lessons are available at different times throughout the year.
At a glance for 2026:
- Summer camps are offered in June and July.
- Costs range from $125 to $650 (residential camp).
- 5 Elementary art camps
- 3 Middle school art camps
- 2 residential music camps (Clarinet & Piano), 9 total music camps
- Theatre camp for elementary, middle, and high school
- 1 Virtual Reality camp
Find STEM-related summer camps, one-day competitions (e.g. Eweek Model Bridge Building Contest and Lego League), and outreach opportunities through the College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science.
Interested in competing in the annual NE Indiana Regional Science Fair? Visit the science fair website.
At a glance for 2026
- Summer camps are offered in June and July.
- Costs range from $50 to $500 (residential camp).
- 3 Elementary camps
- 6 Middle school camps
- 3 High school camps
Explore and join a STEM Camp or Competition
Interested in competing in the annual NE Indiana Regional Science Fair?
For over 20 years, the Appleseed Writing Project has been inspiring elementary school and middle school students in developing their creative writing skills in a fun environment.
Questions? contact Dr. Sarah Sandman, Co-Director, Appleseed Youth Writing Camps, [email protected].
High school students who are looking for college preparatory or pre-college experience on campus are encouraged to consider the following programs, all of which set students up for college success:
With the support of the Japanese Ministry of Education and South Korea's Ministry of Education, Saturday schools are available on campus for youth interested in learning about Japanese and Korean language and culture.
At a glance for 2026:
- Available sports: Volleyball, basketball, and soccer camps/ clinics
- Cost range: $50 - $175
Suitable for high school students (ages 14-17) interested in exploring the liberal arts, the Collaboratory is a week-long day camp held in June.
Students
As a participant in a youth program at Purdue Fort Wayne, it is vital that you have the latest information and come prepared before your program begins. Here are the steps to get you started.
Identify which programs you are interested in and can join.
Youth programs at Purdue Fort Wayne take on various forms and are designed for different age groups. The term "youth programs" refers to any program, camp, event, or activity geared toward K–12 students (under 18 years old). A youth program can be a one-day event, a camp for several weeks, or even a weekly program throughout the school year. Some programs are free while others involve additional fees.
As a student, you have the option of participating in as many programs as you would like. This gives you an opportunity to learn from different members of the Purdue Fort Wayne community. Make sure you check out the Program List to find the most suitable program for you, and when it occurs.
Register for the programs by their deadline.
Each program has its own registration deadline. Registration is also done online, so you will need access to the internet to begin and complete it. Once you enter the registration portal, read and follow the instructions carefully.
Prepare materials that are required for participation.
Some programs may expect you to bring basic supplies (e.g., a notebook, pencil, folders, or a laptop), while others will provide materials for you. Double-check the program requirements to make sure you come prepared on the first day. Check your email or your program’s communications channels (e.g., website or social media) to ensure you don't miss important information.
Have a great first day!
When the program officially starts, bring your enthusiasm, energy, and interest, and enjoy your experience!
Should you have questions or concerns, you are always welcome to reach out to us. Visit the website of your specific program and contact your program director for the latest information.
Parents, Teachers, and Counselors
Purdue Fort Wayne strives to provide fun and enriching experiences for our youth. We value the support of parents, guardians, teachers, and counselors, and acknowledge the role they play in students' educational life cycle.
We hope you will take the time to explore our youth programs and find one that meets your children's or students' needs and interests. For information or questions about specific programs, please contact the program director. They will also provide you with a registration link to their specific program/camp/event. If you are not sure who to contact, reach out to [email protected].
Our program teams work to ensure that your child/children have a safe and positive experience on our campus. To help us ensure that everyone is safe, parents or guardians should review the following information:
Know the names and contact information of the program directors for your child’s youth program.
Every program should have a direct point of contact. If you have questions or concerns or need information about the specific youth program you signed up for, contact the program director(s) directly. Please know this information before the program begins. Save this information on your phone or wherever you keep important contacts. If you cannot reach the program director, contact [email protected].
Check your email and the program handbook for important information (e.g., location of the program daily schedules, dress code, and expectations).
Make sure you know exactly where to drop off and pick up your child on campus. If there are changes to the program's time or location, your program director is expected to communicate them to you. Do not hesitate to ask your program director for a campus tour.
- Campus map: download here
- Parking information
- Campus police: 260-481-6827 or [email protected]
- Safety tips on campus
- Call 911 if you have an emergency.
Disability and Accommodations
If your child has a disability and needs accommodations in order to participate in the program, please inform the program director of the forms of reasonable accommodations that are needed before you register. Asking the program director about accommodations before the start of the program will help you and your child determine which option is a good fit for your child's needs.
Reporting Abuse
Anyone age 18 or older is required by Indiana law to report any suspected or witnessed abuse or neglect of a minor.
- Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-800-800-5556. If you find yourself on hold, please do not hang up. Your call will be answered by the next available intake specialist.
- If all lines are busy, call 1-833-800-5556.
Suspected or witnessed abuse or neglect of a minor must be reported, even if the alleged perpetrator is also a minor.
Suspected or witnessed child abuse that occurs in conjunction with a Purdue University program or activity should also be reported to the program or activity director. Anonymous reports can be made to the university's Whistleblower Hotline website or by calling 866-818-2620. The person making the report must also report the information to the police or child protective services in order to fulfill their obligation under Indiana law.