Pre-College Programs
From residence halls to classrooms, get a real taste of college now.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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
