Do you ever wish you were the forensic scientist on the crime scene? Do you enjoy hands-on scientific and mathematical research? If so, then the Alma College Research Network (ACORN)  program is for you.

Incoming Alma College first-year science and mathematics students have the extraordinary opportunity to engage in research before they even step foot on campus! Prior to their freshman year, selected students are invited to begin their academic journey through the ACORN summer research opportunity alongside Alma faculty and other students.

Stay tuned for Summer 2026 updates!

Students who will be enrolling in grades 2–6 for the 2026-2027 school year will have a chance to explore topics in math, science, and engineering in a week-long day camp setting. The program includes a variety of hands-on, student-centered experiences where they have the opportunity to learn more about each topic. Students will have two different classes each morning. The afternoons are filled with challenges and activities. Students will move about in small groups led by a counselor. Lunch and snacks are provided each day. There is a limit of 55 students.

Stay tuned for Summer 2026 updates!

During five days on the Alma College campus, students develop solutions to real-world international issues through a simulation of the United Nations Security Council. Your team might work on critical issues like disease outbreaks, international terrorism, climate change, or other global concerns. Work with an exceptional group of incoming and current students – including our nationally recognized Model United Nations team – alumni mentors and expert faculty.

Stay tuned for Summer 2026 updates!

Each morning students entering grades 7-11 for the 2026-2027 school year will work in small groups on a week-long project in one of the STEM disciplines. Each group will work alongside Alma College faculty and/or students as they complete this work. The students will have a chance to present their work at the close of the week. In the afternoons students will work on engineering challenges, and social enrichment activities and learn more about the possibilities in life after high school. Snacks and lunch will be provided. There is a limit of 40 students.

Stay tuned for Summer 2026 updates!

Explore the creative side of music by composing new pieces, performing new works by fellow participants, and making music with computers.
You Will: Compose a new piece that will be performed by faculty and workshop participants, learn basic notation and audio software, study music theory concepts daily, and explore the music of living composers. No previous composition experience required.

Ages: Vocalists and Instrumentalists 9th-12th grade welcome

Host: Dr. Justin Rito – Assistant Professor of Music – ritojb@alma.edu

Stay tuned for Summer 2026 updates!

This camp is for students who are interested in pursuing a career as a music educator and would like to hone their conducting skills. Students will learn and practice: the basic conducting patterns, starting and stopping, cueing with either hand, how to manage fermatas, the nuances between choral and instrumental conducting, and how to use gesture to compel a musical response. Each camper will conduct (and sing in) the camp choir, as well as conduct pieces written by our composition students. They may even get the chance to conduct a song on the final concert.

For more information email Dr. Nicole Mattfeld at mattfeldnm@alma.edu

Camp will not be held in 2025 — Stay tuned for Summer 2026 updates!

Develop your skills as a performer and a leader in concert percussion, as well as perform in a concert with traditional percussion ensembles, steel drum bands, marimba ensembles, and more. We will help you develop musicianship and technical skills on all instruments including marimba, vibraphone, drum set, timpani, steel drums, hand drumming, world percussion, orchestral percussion, and much, much more.

Open to grades 6-12 and incoming students of any skill level. You will be taught by the directors Dave Zerbe and Aaron Krause, and top members of the renowned Alma College Percussion Ensemble, as well as internationally recognized clinicians.

This week-long daily camp is designed for young string players, offering an immersive experience in chamber music and string orchestra. Participants will refine their ensemble skills in a supportive setting while also gaining a foundational understanding of music theory through engaging sessions.

Camp will not be held in 2025 — Stay tuned for Summer 2026 updates!

Focus on technical aspects of saxophone playing.

• Build Ensemble and Quartet Skills
• Work On Solo Literature
• Take Private Lessons

For grades 7-12

Camp will not be held in 2025 — Stay tuned for Summer 2026 updates!

K-12 teachers take technology tools and explore how to apply them in a classroom setting. This experience is completely online and designed for K-12 teachers using various levels of technology in the classroom. Activities include designing websites, researching tools to support math and science units, and creating classroom-ready technology-enhanced artifacts. This CORE experience is being taught by Jessie Store.

This is a workshop centered around the Ambitious Science Teaching (AST) framework and supporting teachers in making curricular and NGSS-related connections to phenomena-based teaching. K-12 teachers will learn about the tools and knowledge to implement the AST core practices in their own classrooms, whatever level they teach.

Young athletes can improve their game, develop new skillsets, and have a great time while doing it.