Program Categories
Art & Humanities Programs
Empowered Women, Empower Women
Empowered Women, Empower Women was developed to introduce women’s empowerment principles and skills through various sessions from the faculty and staff of the College of Liberal Arts. Through a range of activities and sessions students will explore how leadership and mentorship are critical to their own empowerment as young women. Students will learn about the complex history and reality of women’s experiences, and how this reflects their own experiences.
For more information, email maryrose.stark@unlv.edu.
Meaning of Life
What is the meaning of life? This is a question many have asked and many have tried to answer. Socrates said that the unexamined life, the kind of life that lacks meaning, is not worth living. What does it mean to live a life of meaning? Meaning of Life asks students to consider how these philosophical ideas connect to how we lead our own lives. Throughout the week, connections will be made between leading a meaningful life and preparation for the journey of college.
For more information, email maryrose.stark@unlv.edu.
Rebel Classical Guitar Camp
Join UNLV guitar faculty and students for classical guitar technique, ensembles, and lessons. This camp is designed for beginning to advanced classical guitar students. Activities include technical workshops that will develop right and left hand technique, scales, arpeggios, slurs, and finger independence. All students will perform in a large ensemble and break out into smaller ensembles. Group lessons will be divided into different skill levels. Students will learn new music daily. The final day will end with a recital featuring student solos, ensembles, and faculty. Students must provide their own nylon classical guitar and footstool.
For more information, email gregory.koenig@unlv.edu.
Witnessing History: The Mob Museum Summer Camp
Step into the past to uncover the stories that shape American society as we know it with Witnessing History: The Mob Museum Summer Camp hosted by UNLV’s College of Liberal Arts and The Mob Museum. Through various activities and sessions led by our faculty and staff, students will learn about the important role of museums in building public memory. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the history of organized crime in America through exclusive access to museum artifacts and exhibits at The Mob Museum. This three-day summer camp will have students embark on a unique journey to explore the vital role museums play in preserving and shaping our collective understanding of the past.
For more information, email maryrose.stark@unlv.edu.
Career Immersion Programs
BeHERE, BeWELL
The Behavioral Health Workforce Expansion Learning Lab (BeWELL) provides high school students with a unique opportunity to explore an array of behavioral health professions. This immersive camp offers hands-on experiences, expert-led discussions, and career pathway exploration aimed at inspiring the next generation of mental health professionals. Students will engage in dynamic activities such as career speed chats, wellness workshops, campus and agency tours, and a student-driven “Behavioral Health Career Fair,” where they will practice professional communication skills to present on various professions like school mental health, addiction treatment, and psychology. This camp also includes mentorship from UNLV students and faculty, ensuring students increase their college readiness while gaining practical insights into the education and skills needed to pursue careers in behavioral health. Of course, there will be plenty of fun included too!
By the end of the camp, students will have a greater understanding of behavioral health careers, the steps required to pursue these careers, and the impact they can have on improving mental health in Nevada.
For more information, email jill.manit@unlv.edu
Culinary Mini Boot Camp
Jump into the Culinary Mini Boot Camp, a hands-on 2-day adventure with Chef Chris Lindsay! High school students will level up their cooking skills, designing trendy menus and mastering new culinary techniques. With a focus on teamwork, safety, sanitation, and communication, you’ll get the full chef experience - including serving your creation to industry professionals. Plus, explore how a bachelor’s in Hospitality Management can kickstart your career in the restaurant industry.
For more information, email hospitalityadmissions@unlv.edu.
Hospitality Exploration Summer Camp
The Hospitality Exploration Summer Camp, sponsored by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, is a four-day, three-night deep dive into life as a UNLV student! Campers will stay in residence halls, eat on campus, and connect with current students and faculty. With interactive sessions led by industry pros and alumni, you'll explore different career paths in hospitality and get a taste of the industry firsthand. Field trips, hands-on activities, and exclusive networking with leaders in the field give campers real-world insights, helping you see if hospitality is the right industry for you.
For more information, email hospitalityadmissions@unlv.edu.
Mock Trial Summer Workshop
UNLV’s Mock Trial Summer Workshop is designed to expand access to the Mock Trial activity. This summer workshop offers a unique opportunity for students to engage with the legal community of Southern Nevada. Through a mix of seminars, outreach events, and hands-on activities participants will gain exposure to the many diverse perspectives found in the legal field. Students will develop the essential skill of advocacy, learning how to effectively present their case and positions both in the courtroom and in everyday situations. Along the way, students will hone their abilities in public speaking, critical thinking, writing, and will be empowered to advocate for themselves with confidence and clarity.
For more information, email maryrose.stark@unlv.edu.
National Summer Transportation Institute
Participants will live on-campus at UNLV for two weeks while they explore modes of transportation, urban infrastructure planning, pedestrian safety and various career opportunities. We also offer college preparation and life skills activities, college seminars, UNLV lab tours, field trips, peer mentoring sessions with UNLV students, and exciting group projects.
For more information, email mp@unlv.edu.
UNLV Nurse Camp
UNLV Nurse Camp welcomes all high school students (rising freshmen – graduating seniors) interested in health sciences and nursing to attend Nurse Camp. Campers participate in academic, clinical, and community activities to explore the nursing profession. UNLV Nurse Camp will run two sessions this summer, each session will accept 30 campers.
For more information, visit UNLV Nurse Camp or email nursecamp@unlv.edu.
Young Executive Scholars Hospitality and Tourism Program (YES)
Modeled after the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ International Gaming Institute (UNLV IGI) and University of Nevada Reno’s renowned Executive Development Program for industry professionals, the Young Executive Scholars Hospitality & Tourism Program (YES) is a rigorous summer course of applied learning, team collaboration, and a mentor-guided, case-study analysis of the global hospitality tourism industry. Each summer, under-resourced high school students discover the managerial and executive-level career opportunities available to them in the industry of their backyard, gain insight into the UNLV college experience, and develop new skills to excel in the classroom today and the workplace tomorrow.
For more information, visit YES or email eliza.wiggins@unlv.edu.
College Readiness Programs
ASC Dual Enrollment Program
The Academic Success Center (ASC) Dual Enrollment Program provides highly motivated Nevada high school students an opportunity to get a head start on their college education by enrolling in UNLV courses before high school graduation. Participants also have the opportunity to earn dual credit (university and high school) with the approval of their high school counselors. Students attend regular established UNLV courses that are enrolled with UNLV undergraduate students. Additionally, dual enrollment students receive full access to ASC resources, such as tutoring, advising, and academic success coaching.
For more information, visit ASC Dual Enrollment page or email dualenrollment@unlv.edu.
GEAR UP ASPIRE Scholars Program
ASPIRE is a small-cohort enrichment program for current 9th to 12th graders at Bonanza, Clark, Durango, and Pahrump Valley High Schools.
Student Requirements
- Be enrolled as a 9th to 12th grad student at a GEAR UP high school
- Meet with the ASPIRE director once and an ASPIRE peer mentor three times during the 2024-25 academic year in order to qualify for dual enrollment or summer program funding for summer 2025
For more information, complete an interest form or email aspire@unlv.edu.
Lee Business School-CCSD Summer Dual Enrollment Program
This is a collaborative program between the Lee Business School and CCSD developed to give rising 11th and 12th grade students an opportunity to earn high school and college credits, and to provide students with coursework and experiences that prepare them for post-secondary education. Each student is enrolled in two classes (six credits). The program schedule is designed to encourage students to establish connections and explore the UNLV campus.
For more information, visit Dual Enrollment or email beth.gersten@unlv.edu.
Rebel Teach Concurrent Enrollment Program
The Rebel Teach program allows students to enroll in UNLV College of Education courses while they are in high school. These courses are taught on the high school campus by high school faculty members.
For more information, read more about Rebel Teach or email coe.recruitment@unlv.edu.
Debate
UNLV Model United Nations
Join UNLV Model United Nations for the tenth annual NVMUN Conference – a weekend of public speaking, debate, problem solving, and teamwork. Students will be assigned a country, world leader, historical figure, or fictional character to represent within one of four committees. They will give short extemporaneous speeches from the perspective of their assigned country or individual, discuss and debate their committee topic with fellow delegates, and work in small groups to write mock resolutions and directives for action. Committee topics for 2025 include: the role of women in politics and conflict zones, the G20 Summit of 2015, and the Liberators' civil war following the assassination of Julius Caesar.
Students will be expected to read their committee background guide and come prepared with a basic understanding of the topic beforehand. Students will also be expected to understand the basics of what Model UN is, however beginners are welcome (Model UN resources can be found online). Students who wish to attend but are not part of a Model UN group at their school are highly encouraged to reach out to unlvmun@unlv.edu for additional guidance.
For more information, visit UNLV MUN website or email unlvmun@unlv.edu.
Financial Literacy Programs
Pathways to Success
Pathways to Success is designed to prepare students for their future lives, through financial and professional development. Under the guidance of our faculty and staff students will gain the confidence and knowledge to be financially literate individuals. Financial literacy provides students with the understanding of the skills that lead to a lifetime of financial well-being.
For more information, email maryrose.stark@unlv.edu.
Reading & Writing Skills Programs
Institute of Reading Development
Since 1990, UNLV Continuing Education has proudly partnered with the Institute of Reading Development, a nationwide leader in reading instruction, to help students of all ages build strong reading skills and a lifelong love of books.
These programs teach key reading skills for every grade, from phonics and sight words for younger children, to comprehension, textbook strategies and writing skills for older kids, and everything in between.
For more information, visit Institute of Reading Development or email ce-assistant@unlv.edu.
Southern Nevada Writing Project (SNWP)
As one of nearly 185 writing project sites affiliated with the National Writing Project (NWP), the SNWP offers a writing institute for K-12 educators each year, along with a writing camp for K-12 students. Teachers conduct project-sponsored programs in their own schools and in neighboring schools and districts aimed at two purposes: developing teacher knowledge and leadership in their home communities and putting this knowledge and leadership to work to improve student achievement.
For more information, visit the Southern Nevada Writing Project website or email sophie.ladd@unlv.edu.
Research Programs
Summer Program Advancing Research and Knowledge (SPARK)
The Summer Program Advancing Research and Knowledge (SPARK) is an immersive research experience that develops research skills and expands research readiness amongst middle school and high school students. The beginner camp is designed for students who are new to conducting research or want to develop their basic research skills. The camp will introduce students to the types of research as well as provide hands-on activities within each research stage. The camp will provide participants with a solid foundation in research, empowering them to pursue advanced research projects in the future with confidence. The intermediate camp is designed for students who have a basic understanding of research but want to deepen their knowledge and skills, particularly in the area of data literacy. The camp will build on foundational research methods, diving into more advanced topics such as hypothesis testing, data analysis, and interpreting results. Specific focus will be placed on utilizing data software and developing and improving data literacy skills.
For more information, email rafael.oganesyan@unlv.edu.
STEM Programs
Beal Bank USA Southern Nevada Regional Science and Engineering Fair
The Beal Bank USA Southern Nevada Regional Science & Engineering Fair promotes an interest in STEM for elementary, middle, and high school students in primarily southern Nevada counties including Clark County and the Clark County School District.
Held at UNLV and hosted by the UNLV College of Sciences, the fair is sponsored by Beal Bank USA. The high school division of the fair is in early March annually, and the middle/elementary division is in late March. Registration for the fair typically comes through your child’s school, but registration of individual students may be allowed based on fair director approval.
For more information, visit Beal Bank USA Science & Engineering Fair or email erica.corliss@unlv.edu.
Note: This is not a summer camp.
Nevada Science Olympiad
Nevada Science Olympiad is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of K-12 science education for all genders and minority groups by fostering their interest in science. Our goal is to create a technologically-literate workforce, and recognize the outstanding achievements of student participants in Science Olympiad tournaments and non-competitive events, as well as teachers who incorporate Science Olympiad into classroom curriculum and attend teacher training institutes. Nevada Science Olympiad is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and all donations are tax deductible.
For more information, visit the Nevada Science Olympiad website or email sharon.jalene@unlv.edu.
Student Interactions with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (SISTEM)
The Student Interactions with STEM (SISTEM) program is a series of talks and activities open to all high school students in Southern Nevada. We offer a free career awareness program for any high school student who is interested in pursuing a STEM degree with a focus on careers that require a Bachelor degree or higher.
Our goal as a program is to increase awareness and excitement about the STEM disciplines through a diverse set of talks and activities led by STEM professionals. Join us each spring or fall for a 5-week program held on campus at UNLV.
For more information, visit the SISTEM webpage or email sistem@unlv.edu.
Tech Ready Rebels
Tech Ready Rebels is a year-long accelerated experiential learning program that prepares high school juniors and seniors to acquire desired skill sets and credentials to advance to higher education and/or obtain employment in the field of Information Technology (IT). The mission of the Tech Ready Rebels is threefold: 1) Cultivate skilled professionals to tackle Nevada's substantial IT labor shortage; 2) Equip individuals with sought-after competencies, filling the skills gap in tech firms; and 3) Establish a pathway for underrepresented minority and female students, combating IT stereotypes and fostering diversity and accessibility. The program features Dual Enrollment, Industry Recognized Credentials, Internship, and Personalized Learning Experiences. Completers of the program will demonstrate core competencies listed in the National IT Competency Model.
For more information, visit the UNLV IT Workforce Talent site or email itworkforce@unlv.edu.
Tech Trekker
Tech Trekker provides educators with access to science and engineering equipment, as well as standards-based lessons, in order to increase student engagement in STEM. We even send a student along to manage the equipment, allowing teachers to focus solely on teaching. This free service (sponsored by Nevada National Security Sites) is available to all educators in the Las Vegas Valley.
For more information, visit the Tech Tekker site or email techtrekker@unlv.edu.
UNLV GenCyber Summer Camp
UNLV GenCyber is a week-long cybersecurity summer camp designed for high school students. The program aims to educate students about proper and secure online behavior, foster good digital citizenship, and encourage interest in cybersecurity careers. Students will engage in various hands-on activities covering diverse cybersecurity topics and listen to insightful stories shared by cybersecurity experts.
For more information, visit the UNLV GenCyber page or email gencyber@unlv.edu.
UNLV STEM Camp
The UNLV STEM Camp stands as a beacon of innovation and learning, offering middle and high school students immersive experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through a diverse array of modules including robotics, cybersecurity, programming, advanced mathematics, AI, etc. students engage in hands-on learning guided by expert instructors from the UNLV College of Engineering. The program runs multiple sessions throughout the year, including summer intensives and spring/fall Saturdays workshops, serving a culturally diverse student body. What sets this program apart is its commitment to practical application – students don't just learn theory, they build robots, write code, explore cybersecurity challenges, and tackle real-world engineering problems.
For more information, email stemunlv@unlv.edu.
Wellness & Recreation Programs
Compassionate Communities: Mental Health Training Program (CCMHTP)
The Compassionate Communities: Mental Health Training Program (CCMHTP) provides mental health training for high school students and Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) certification to community partners. tMHFA equips students in grades 9 to 12 with the skills to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in their peers. The training encourages proactive assistance and knowing when to involve trusted adults. The training highlights the importance of the ALGEP action plan:
- Assessing for risk
- Listening non-judgmentally
- Giving reassurance and information
- Encouraging professional help
- Promoting self-help and support strategies
For more information, email marcedes.butler@unlv.edu.