Butler Pre-College Programs

From dorm rooms to classrooms, get a real taste of college now.

Your first campus experience starts this summer.

Butler’s Pre-College Programs invite high school students to Butler’s campus for a preview of the college experience and possible career paths. 

Over the course of one week, you’ll develop leadership skills, envision life as a college student, and have the chance to earn an elective credit along the way. With tracks in business, healthcare, and an exploratory option, each immersive camp is designed to prepare you for college through hands-on learning and community-building. 

You’ll walk away with greater clarity on what your future as a college student could look like. You’ll have practical next steps to growing as a leader across different areas of your life. And you’ll forge new friendships that often carry far beyond camp. So bring your curiosity, choose your adventure, and get ready for a transformative summer.

Registrations are now open. Deadline is May 15, 2026.

Pre-College Program Tracks

Choose a track aligned with your interests—or use this week to explore something entirely new. Each track combines hands-on academic sessions, leadership development, and time to experience campus life.

Exploratory Track

June 7–12, 2026

Not sure what what major might be right for you? Now’s your chance to study your strengths. Sample classes from across each of Butler’s colleges, work to discover your passions, and see what academic paths fit your values and interests in a supportive environment.

Register for Exploratory Track

Business Track

June 21–26, 2026

It’s never too early to think like an entrepreneur. Through hands-on classes in Butler’s Lacy School of Business, you’ll learn about marketing, sales, risk mitigation, and insurance, then apply your knowledge by developing and pitching your own business idea.

Register for Business Track

Healthcare Track

July 12–17, 2026

Step into labs and simulations to explore healthcare careers—from pharmacy and nursing to respiratory therapy. You’ll build clinical skills alongside Butler faculty and connect with current students who are on their way to becoming healthcare professionals.

Register for Healthcare Track

Campus Life

Live in a Butler Residence Hall

Spend the week living in a Butler residence hall with other high school students. You’ll share a suite, eat in the dining hall, and get comfortable navigating campus—just like a first-year college student.

Academic Exploration

Try Out College-Level Classes

Join hands-on sessions led by Butler faculty—from labs and creative workshops to discussions in real classrooms. You’ll explore different majors, see how your interests connect to careers, and get a glimpse of what college coursework is really like.

Leadership

Build Confidence as a Leader

Through leadership workshops with Butler staff and student mentors, you’ll learn to see yourself as a leader in the communities you care about most. You’ll practice the “three Cs” of leadership: cultivating your influence, championing your community, and carrying the culture forward.

Beyond the Classroom

Experience Indy with New Friends

After daytime sessions, you’ll have time to unwind—visiting campus spaces like the recreation center, Esports lounge, and dorm common spaces for evening activities with your group. It’s a chance to make friends and experience college life in a low-pressure environment.

prepare to succeed

“I knew I wanted to attend college, but as the oldest child in my family, I felt kind of in the dark about everything. This camp gave me a very positive perception of Butler and of college in general… it was extremely helpful in learning the social and personal skills I’d need to succeed in college.”

– Kate Norrod, ’29 Neuroscience

discover your passions

“Before coming to Butler, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to major in. Attending Pre-College Programs the summer before my senior year of high school allowed me to meet and interact with staff who are knowledgeable and passionate about their careers. I was able to learn so much about the different areas I was interested in such as education, psychology, sociology, and more!”

– Emerson Baran ’28, Psychology and Sociology

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Tuition Assistance

Students who meet one of the following criteria are eligible for full, need-based tuition assistance. Other situations may also be taken into consideration. Tuition assistance is limited and students are encouraged to apply early. Apply when registering.  

Need-based tuition assistance qualifications (must meet one of the following): 

  • Participant is a 21st Century Scholar (or equivalent)  
  • Participant qualifies financially for free/reduced lunch at school 
  • Participant would be a first-generation college student 

A $25 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration to hold your spot. However, if you are denied tuition assistance, you will have the option to have the $25 refunded to you. 

Refund Eligibility

Send all cancellation requests to camps@butler.edu.
Department cancellation: If the department cancels a program, you will receive a full refund.
30+ days before program: Full refund minus the $25 deposit.
14–29 days before program: 50% refund of the amount paid, minus the $25 deposit.
Fewer than 14 days before program: No refunds will be issued.
Program sessions are not prorated for vacation, illness, or missed days.

Get a Head Start on Your College Experience

Ready to spend a week on Butler’s campus exploring majors, building leadership skills, and experiencing life as a college student? Register before the May 15 deadline.

Register Now
Contact Us
Phone

317-940-5500

Email

camps@butler.edu