2025 GEAR UP Summer Camps

 

 GEAR UP Summer Camps are free for students in the PA state GEAR UP cohort. We partner with universities and colleges to provide GEAR UP students new opportunities to explore college campuses and challenge themselves. This summer we are excited to be sending GEAR UP students all across the state of Pennsylvania to PASSHE institutions. Summer Camps rage from leadership focused, to careers in athletics and marketing, to a vocal academy with faculty. 

For more information about summer camps, reach out to your District GEAR UP staff or email Amber Kelly (akelly@passhe.edu)

 

East Stroudsburg University with Seeds Training
June 15-20, 2025 (overnight)
Students will participate in leadership workshops with Seeds Training, experts in helping students build self-awareness and leadership skills. Students will also participate in college readiness activities provided by East Stroudsburg University. These activities will allow students to leave camp with three micro-credentials from ESU that they can put on their college applications and resumes.
 
 
Millersville University 
June 18-21, 2025 (overnight)
During this overnight camp, students will get the chance to learn different types of dance, from African to Line Dancing to Hip-hop. Students will have the opportunity to also participate in athletic workshops and tournaments. Students will also get to explore creating arts with local artists.
Commonwealth University
June 23-25 (overnight, Pottstown only)
At Commonwealth University, 9th grade students will get to choose either a theater track or athletic track. Theater students will be immersed in theater workshops with theater faculty members. Athletic track students will work with Commonwealth coaches to learn more about athletics and being a student athlete.
Slippery Rock University
June 29-July 3 (overnight)
Slippery Rock University’s Voice Academy is a week long, immersive vocal music program for GEAR UP students. The academy will focus on two specialized tracks: Classical Voice and Musical Theater Voice. You will receive one-on-one voice lessons, diction coaching, choral rehearsals, and more. Each student will participate in a final concert at the end of camp with a group of peers or on their own if they feel brave! 

Some music/voice experience is preferred but not required.

 

 
Cheyney University
June 30 & July 1 (day camp, Allentown only)
July 2 & 3 (day camp, Norristown and Pottstown Only)

Cheyney University is the first HBCU (Historically Black College or University) in the United States, established in 1837. Students will get a chance to engage with staff and faculty on campus for a two-day visit. Students will choose from a variety of college readiness workshops and get to explore the activities Cheyney has to offer.

Workshop topics include understanding the application process, art & self-expression, music & motivation, creative writing, and career & leadership development.

 
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
July 16-19 (overnight) 
This camp is a shark tank style week focused on careers in athletics from athletic training to sports management. You will have hands-on experiences with real professionals and learn what it takes to be in an athletic focused career while competing with each other for the best shark tank idea.