BEND, OR -- Summer Academy returns to OSU-Cascades in July. Teens from all over spend six days on Oregon State University’s Bend campus during Summer Academy.

"The best part about it is, it gives them a chance to experience what being on a college campus is like," says Blair Garland, with OSU-Cascades, "And that’s super important." He says some students can find the anticipation of college nervewracking. But, Garland tells KBND News, the Summer Academy helps overcome some of that anxiety, "Once they’re here and they see what it’s like, it takes that one part nervousness/one part excitement about the college experience and really makes it into two parts excitement  - 'wow, I’m excited about this; I can do this. I’m excited about my future and what college can bring'."

Garland says students come from all over Oregon, and the country. They spend their mornings on academics, trying out potential majors, "So, if your student is interested – or maybe doesn’t know what their major is, they could try one of these as a ‘taste test,’ if you would." Afternoons are a time for outdoor recreation – enjoying Central Oregon trails, rivers and lakes.

Summer Academy started at OSU-Cascades in 2019. Registration is now open for two six-day sessions to start July 31st or August 14th.