Want to get a jump start on your college courses? Network with engineering staff and students and tour campus facilities? Enhance your math and science skills and improve study and leadership abilities? Participate in the Early Launch Program at the University of Kentucky!
Applications will become available in April 2025 and will be due by June 1, 2025
The transition to college from high school can be difficult both academically and socially. By offering a support system and guided instruction, students can thrive in their first semester on campus and achieve success in engineering. The Early Launch program is a 7-week STEM program for highly motivated students who want extra academic preparation and a chance to build a learning community within engineering before starting their first semester.
The Early Launch Program, in partnership with the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME), contains a National Virtual Bridge for the first 5-weeks of the program followed by a 2-week on-campus residential event at the University of Kentucky. Students will be expected to check-in daily for virtual events from June 23 – July 25, 2025 and will receive support from undergraduate engineering teaching assistants. On campus, July 28 – August 8, students will stay in Ball Hall and attend daily lessons, participate in design lab activities, and tour research facilities on campus. Students will also engage in social events in the evenings and on the weekend to explore all the University of Kentucky has to offer.
For more information on the NACME virtual bridge, visit their website https://www.nacme.org/summer-experiences.
James B Beam Institute for Kentucky.
Engineering Innovation
EduceLab Heritage Science
Both the virtual and residential schedule will go from 9 AM – 5 PM, Monday to Friday and include class meetings for math (Calculus & Pre-Calculus), science, chemistry lab, MATLAB, study skills workshops, and recitation.
This year, students will be able to participate at no cost to them. Dorm room and meal-plan will be provided for the two-week residential event. Students will be responsible for other associated costs with the program, including access to a computer, travel expenses to and from campus, linens for dorm room (bed sheets and towels).
Students will also be expected to attend a Big Blue Nation Orientation in early June to meet other program participants and instructors before the virtual session begins. Details on the specific date and time will be provided to accepted Early Launch participants.
