Columbus

For success in college and beyond

Kids College at Columbus is known as iEngage and is a free summer civics camp modeled after Baylor's iEngage camps, the 2022 recipient of the Sandra Day O'Connor Advancement in Civic Education award. The one-week day camp is for rising 5th through 9th grade students. Offered by Indiana University Columbus, the camp is especially focused on welcoming and supporting students who might be the first in their family to go to college, who may qualify for the 21st Century Scholars program, or who come from groups that haven’t always had equal access to higher education.

At Kids College, students will build confidence, learn more about who they are as learners, and explore future college and career paths. They’ll take part in fun, hands-on activities that help them see how education can help them reach their goals. The camp helps students understand how to join and succeed in programs like 21st Century Scholars—and how to take pride in their place in school, college, and the world.

Who: Rising Indiana 5th—9th graders

When: June 22 – 26

Where: Indiana University Columbus Learning Center

Cost: Free with lunch provided

Join the waitlist for 2026

Course Descriptions and Daily Agenda

The camp utilizes an action civics model of inquiry to foster participants’ understanding of and engagement in civic life. Participants build important civic knowledge and skills as they interact with local civic leaders and elected officials, spend time learning about the legal process, play iCivics games, examine primary source materials, collaborate with like-minded peers, and engage in a community issues advocacy project. iEngage is designed to help students learn about the structure of government, what it means to be an active and engaged citizen in their community, and how they can work to make a change even as a young person.

Make a difference

We have a variety of opportunities for IU Columbus faculty, staff, and students to get involved in Kids College. Making a meaningful connection to IU Columbus relies upon building relationships, and Kids College is a great place for you to start! 

To enhance our Kids College teaching staff, we invite IU Columbus students and alumni who might be willing to share their experiences navigating the college-going process. Faculty and staff are encouraged to talk to students about how their teaching and research connects to the local community or how they discovered their passion for education.

Or, join the Kids College staff by becoming a program assistant or a guest lecturer!

Got Questions?

Have any questions about the Kids College college-readiness program? We're here to help!

For more information about the sessions or to register, send an email to the Kids College directors.