Content on these pages created by participants in the 2016 NERDs program.
If you are a high school junior or senior wanting a head start on college and an opportunity to develop grit inside and outside of the classroom, then the Baker NERDs program is right for you.
This academic program helps students prepare for college from the moment they step onto the BU campus in June. Hands-on classes for college credit challenge students to gain good study habits, learn time-management skills, and develop strength of character. Students also take an expedition with the Colorado Outward Bound School that gives many of them a once-in-a-lifetime experience in camping and whitewater rafting. By joining the Baker NERDs program, students develop the perseverance they need to be successful in college.
ACADEMICS
The NERDs program definitely prepares high school students for their freshman year in college. Students earn three credit hours by taking a hands-on course in either mass media or biology. It can be a tough program that requires persistence, but the professors and BU peer leaders keep students engaged, often for more than eight hours each class day. The student peer leaders, some of whom serve as teaching assistants, have attended Baker and understand the struggles that come with freshman year.
STUDENT LIFE
It is not just about the fun. It is about the connections and bonds formed as a result of the activities planned within the Baker NERDs program. These activities helped those of us in the summer 2016 program to create friendships and reveal our truest colors to each other by enjoying the moments and not always focusing on appearances, work, or school. We went bowling, visited an amazing ice cream parlor, ate at various restaurants in Lawrence, played volleyball, volunteered at Harvesters and Family Promise, and attended a Royals’ game.
OUTWARD BOUND
The trip to the Colorado Outward Bound School course helped us as Baker NERDs develop real grit to find our strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the seven-day course, we were faced with challenges, including not having access to a shower or toilet. We were definitely forced out of our comfort zones as we were forced to leave behind our electronic devices and everyday comforts.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE OUTWARD BOUND TRIP
"The Outward Bound Course taught me grit and perseverance and how to challenge myself."
-LaKayla Thompson