Career Readiness Begins Here: Drake University’s Transformative Summer Camps

From Arts to Business: Drake University Offers Skill-Building Summer Camps

Drake University is set to host a diverse range of summer camps, offering high school students the chance to explore various career paths while honing their skills in fields such as the arts, journalism, faith, health sciences, and business. These programmes are designed to immerse students in a college environment, providing them with hands-on learning experiences and valuable insights into their chosen areas of interest. By participating in these camps, students can gain practical knowledge, develop their talents, and prepare for the next stage of their academic and professional journeys.

Drake University Voice Intensive (DUVI), running from 16 to 20 June 2025, is designed for aspiring singers aged 14 and above. The programme aims to enhance vocal skills and build confidence in performance and auditions. Throughout the week, participants take part in vocal exercises, masterclasses, and performance sessions, improving their stage presence under the guidance of university faculty. They also explore genres such as opera, cappella, jazz choir, show choir, and musical theatre. The camp concludes with a final showcase, where students present their progress to friends and family.

Similarly, Media Now, scheduled for 7 to 10 July 2025, provides high school students with an opportunity to enhance their journalism and media skills. Participants stay in campus dormitories, dine in the university hall, and engage in hands-on projects. The programme culminates in a campus-wide awards ceremony showcasing their work. Covering tracks such as design, editorial leadership, motion graphics, photography, social media, sports broadcasting, video storytelling, and writing, the camp ensures students are both supported and challenged as they refine their expertise in their chosen areas.

For those interested in healthcare professions, the BullD.O.G.S. programme, running from 10 to 12 July 2025, introduces students to diverse healthcare careers, including nursing, occupational therapy, and pharmacy. It aims to inform participants about opportunities in health sciences and inspire them to explore various professional pathways. Students take part in practical lab sessions, attend educational workshops, and engage in interactive discussions with faculty and students from the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The in-person programme includes a two-night stay in a campus residence hall.

The Interfaith Youth Leadership Camp, co-hosted by the Des Moines Area Religious Council and The Comparison Project at Drake University, is scheduled from 9 to 13 July 2025. High school students and 2024 graduates are allowed to explore religious diversity within the Des Moines Metro, participating in worship services, communal meals, and discussions. Each camper is encouraged to reflect on their faith journey while learning about the beliefs and practices of their peers. The camp is offered at no cost, thanks to the support of generous sponsors.

Lastly, the Business Horizons programme, running from 13 to 17 July 2025, provides students in grades 9–12 with a five-day innovation simulation. Participants are placed into teams and tasked with creating an innovative solution, launching a business, and competing in investor pitches, infomercial screenings, and product competitions at a trade show. In addition to these challenges, students take part in workshops, listen to keynote speakers, collaborate with Iowa professionals, and engage in various evening activities. Through these diverse summer programmes, Drake University continues to offer students meaningful experiences that help them explore their interests, develop their skills, and prepare for future academic and career opportunities.

Editor’s Note:

Drake University’s summer programmes give high school students valuable chances to learn and grow in many areas. Whether it's through music, media, healthcare, business, or interfaith understanding, each camp offers a special experience to help students prepare for the future. The Voice Intensive helps young singers build their skills and confidence. Media Now allows students to explore journalism and media through hands-on projects. The BullD.O.G.S. programme introduces students to careers in healthcare through practical lab sessions and discussions with professionals. These camps also help students build important life skills like teamwork, leadership, and open-mindedness. The Interfaith Youth Leadership Camp encourages respectful conversations and learning between different faiths. Business Horizons gives students real-world business experience, helping them learn how to solve problems and think creatively. Together, these programmes support both personal and academic growth, helping students feel more confident and ready for what comes next.

Skoobuzz highlights that Drake University’s focus on hands-on learning gives students the tools to discover new interests and explore new opportunities in their careers.