Summer Institute Tracks

Academic Track Options

2026 Tracks

Summer Institute tracks entail 22 hours of seat time during the week of Summer Institute. To be eligible for the 1-credit hour, attached to a Summer Institute track, students must be physically present and actively participate in at least 75% of the seat time (16.5 hours). Students who miss this seat time due to illness, arriving late, or departing early will be withdrawn from the 1-credit hour course. 

CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP
Communication

Christian Leadership

Very few scenarios in life do not involve being a part of a team. Whether in athletics, organizations, work, family, or community, we all have some type of role of those teams. In the Leadership Track, you will learn the importance of pursing leadership opportunities and skills that will help gain positive influence within your team, both in your current stage of life, and for the future. Through classroom lectures and discussions, we will explore what makes a great leader and how you can lead in a way that accomplishes goals and gives glory to God. There will also be daily opportunities for students to put their leadership skills into practice through events and challenges.

Activities or Subjects of Learning

At the beginning of the week each student will be placed into competitive “squads,” where there will be daily events, activities, and competitions that provide opportunities to practice leadership skills learned. There will be classroom lectures and participatory discussions each day that will lead into the daily squad events. We will study excerpts from selected leadership books and look into how we can translate these skills into real-life scenarios. At the end of the week, we will have a squad champion based on points earned during the events.

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CREATIVE WRITING
Creative Writing

Creative Writing

In the Creative Writing Track, you will gain insights into the process of creative writing from a working author, as well as learn new approaches to unlocking your creative potential as a writer. You will spend time every day working on new pieces of your own creative writing. Finally, you will study exemplary models of creative writing and develop a foundation of understanding how creative writing can glorify God.

Activities or Subjects of Learning

  •  Generative writing prompts
  •  Collaborative dialogue writing
  • Character exploration exercises
  •  World building digital excursions
  •  Word hoard accumulation
  •  Poetry interventions
  •  Leprechaun hunts
  • Boxing lessons 😉

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CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice

Have you ever wondered how law enforcement professionals investigate crimes, enforce the law, and protect communities? In this immersive course, students will explore the foundational principles of the criminal justice system and gain hands-on experience in the skills and techniques used by modern-day offi cers and investigators. From understanding the legal process to applying forensic science and tactical procedures, this track offers a dynamic introduction to careers in law enforcement, corrections, and criminal investigations.

 Sessions will cover topics such as the structure of the justice system, the role of police and courts, and the science behind crime scene analysis. Students will also engage in realistic training scenarios that simulate the challenges and responsibilities of criminal justice professionals.

Activities or Subjects of Learning

  • Students will participate in a variety of interactive and physically engaging activities designed to build both knowledge and practical skills, including
    • Cooper Standards Physical Fitness training to meet law enforcement readiness benchmarks
    • Use of Force decision-making and Firearms Safety fundamentals
    • Airsoft Firearms Training for tactical movement and marksmanship
    • Criminal Investigations techniques including suspect interviews and evidence collection
    • Handcuffing Procedures and Defensive Tactics for officer safety and suspect control
    • Forensics and Crime Scene Processing, including fingerprinting, trace evidence, and scene documentation
    • Mock Crime Scene Scenarios to apply investigative and analytical skills in real-time
  • Through these activities, students will develop critical thinking, situational awareness, and a deeper understanding of the ethical and legal responsibilities of criminal justice professionals. This track is ideal for those interested in careers in law enforcement, forensic science, or legal studies.

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ENGINEERING
3D design

Engineering: 3D Design

The engineering track will focus on learning and applying engineering skills, 3D design using computer aided drafting (CAD) software (Solidworks), 3D printing prototypes, testing designs, and working through the engineering design process.
Sessions will include learning background science, mathematical modeling, and utilizing innovative technology to engineer a 3D design solution.

Activities or Subjects of Learning

Students will investigate aquatic insects, biomimicry, food webs, and buoyancy to inform their engineering design of a fishing lure which they will 3D print and test. Students will apply skills in CAD 3D modeling software and use 3D printers to create their prototypes. Students will apply the main aspects of the engineering design process to develop their own unique designs.

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electrical

Engineering: Electrical Systems

Have you ever wondered how electronic devices like cell phones or computers work? In this class, students will learn about the basic building blocks of electronic circuits and how these can be combined to make working electronic devices. Sessions include an introduction to the science behind electronic devices such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, and integrated circuits and hands-on projects applying the principles learned to design and build working devices.

Activities or Subjects of Learning

The course will include hands-on development of electrical diagrams, device fabrication, and performance analysis for basic electronic devices. Example projects include an RC circuit dome light, transistor-based logic puzzles, a musical keyboard, and a radio transmitter and receiver. Students will also develop problem-solving and design skills and learn about engineering fields and careers.

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Exercise & Health Science
NewEHSbanner

Exercise & Health Science

Are you interested in how to become a personal trainer, athletic trainer, physical
therapist, or a coach? If so, this course is for you! Throughout this week students will
learn the basics of physical fitness and wellness. and take part in various fun sports
and activities like pickleball, soccer, basketball, and hiking. By the end of the week,
students will have the opportunity to develop their own exercise program, nutrition
plan, and goal-setting program. This track gives students endless opportunities in
the exercise and health science world!

Activities or Subjects of Learning

Learn all about:

  •  Fitness assessments measuring cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility.
  •  Agility and balance testing through circuit-style drills.
  • Nutritional guide overview to support performance and recovery.
  • Goal tracking and progress evaluations to design individualized training plans.
  • Conversations with professionals in the field to explore real-world career paths and experiences.

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NURSING
Nursing

Nursing

Summer Institute will be a week fi lled with the opportunity to hear from experienced nurses, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare providers on topics relevant to a career in nursing. A sampling of the topics to be covered include vitals signs, emergency procedures, injections, simulation, and IV therapy. Students will have the opportunity to engage with current Bryan College nursing faculty and staff for a one-week look at what it is like to be a nursing student at Bryan College. Students should be prepared to encounter the material through a variety of learning methods, including lectures, games, and hands-on skills practice.

Activities or Subjects of Learning

Intramuscular injection practice, Vital Signs practice, Simulation mannequin demonstration and practice, IV skills practice, Patient communication practice.

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SPEECH & DEBATE
smart debate student

Speech and Debate

In this dynamic and engaging track, students will sharpen their public speaking, critical thinking, and persuasive communication skills. Led by experienced educators and coaches, participants will explore the art of argumentation, learn how to build compelling cases, and gain confidence speaking in front of an audience. Whether you’re new to speech and debate or aiming to take your skills to the next level, this track offers an exciting and supportive environment for growth.

Activities or Subjects of Learning

  • Practice impromptu, persuasive, informative, and extemporaneous speaking techniques 
  • Learn the fundamentals of debate structure, strategy, and rebuttal
  • Participate in mock debates and speaking drills
  • Explore research and evidence-building for competitive argumentation
  •  Receive personalized feedback from experienced coaches and peers

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Performing Arts
stage

Theater

The theatre track will be a combination of lecture-based learning, interactive learning, and rehearsal of a short staged reading which the students will perform at the end of the week. Students will learn about important periods of theatre history, different genres, acting techniques from the greats, design fundamentals, and more! Activities will include playwriting exercises, performing skits, costume-related projects, and a crash course in directing.

Activities or Subjects of Learning

  • important periods of theater history
  • acting techniques
  • principles of stage management
  • fundamentals of design
  • career building as theatre artists

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Martina Ferguson

VISUAL ARTS
Photography

Visual Arts: Photography into Watercolor

Join us for an exciting journey into visual art, where high school students will use their smartphones to explore photography and watercolor painting! This welcoming track teaches you how to create beautiful images with your phone’s camera, even with its simple controls for things like focus and lighting. You’ll then bring your photos to life through watercolor techniques, blending technology with hands-on creativity. By the end, you’ll have a portfolio of photographs and paintings to proudly share with family and friends!

Activities or Subjects of Learning

  • Smartphone Photography Skills: Discover how to maximize your smartphone’s camera, learning creative techniques to use its basic settings for focus, motion, and lighting to capture stunning photographs
  •  Fun Photoshoots: Join guided photoshoots in exciting locations around campus, practicing composition and capturing photos with your smartphone
  • Photo Reviews and Choices: Collaborate to review your photos and select the best ones that highlight your skills in composition and creativity, choosing up to five standout images
  • Watercolor Creations: Explore watercolor painting techniques in a supportive studio setting to create 3-5 artworks inspired by your favorite smartphone photographs.
  • Showcase Your Art: Build a portfolio by selecting and photographing your best watercolor paintings, creating a collection that showcases your artistic growth and creativity.

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