This year marks a milestone for the University’s premiere summer program.

The Joseph Baldwin Academy for Eminent Young Scholars, a pre-college summer program for highly talented middle and junior high school students, is celebrating its 40th year. Established in 1985, JBA gives participants a glimpse of college life. Students choose one class to take during a three-week stay on campus. They also live in a residence hall with a roommate to simulate a college experience.

“JBA is perfect for students who have an intellectual curiosity and a desire to grow as scholars and young adults,” said Michelle Wilson, dean of summer programs. “The students in this age range are looking for avenues to explore their independence, spend time learning for the sake of learning, and see what possibilities are in store for them in the coming years. JBA provides that opportunity for them.”

JBA is designed for students who have completed grades 7-9. In addition to daily classes, they partake in social events on the nights and weekends.

“JBA is more than academics, it is a way for students to grow socially and emotionally. Many parents will comment that they see a lot of emotional and intellectual growth from the three weeks their students are here,” Wilson said.

After starting with 60 students in 1985, JBA now serves more than 500 young scholars across two separate three-week sessions in June and July. The 2025 sessions are projected to see the largest number of participants in the program’s history. For many students, JBA is their first experience with Truman, and often not their last.

“JBA is more than academics, it is a way for students to grow socially and emotionally. Many parents will comment that they see a lot of emotional and intellectual growth from the three weeks their students are here.”

– Michelle Wilson
dean of summer programs

“We see a lot of correlation between attending JBA and attending Truman,” Wilson said. “JBA sends more students to the University than any single high school. Truman is a very popular college choice among JBA alumni.”

As the number of students interested in summer programming has grown, so too have the options available. In 2019, Truman established JBA Jr., a spinoff program for children in grades 4-6. Intended to inspire enthusiasm for learning in all ability groups, this weeklong day program exposes participating students to the Truman campus, including the planetarium, herpetarium, science labs, University Farm and Pickler Memorial Library.

The University also offers the ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy, a collaborative summer program with the local medical university. Participating students get a glimpse of careers in the medical field during a weeklong stay on campus. Activities include hands-on learning experiences and stimulating discussions at both schools.

Each summer academy has its own application process. JBA requires a nomination from a teacher, guidance counselor, principal or parent of a home-school student. The nomination process opens in November for sessions the following summer. JBA Jr. and ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy have open application periods. More information about summer academies at Truman can be found online at institute.truman.edu or by contacting the Institute for Academic Outreach at
institute@truman.edu or 660.785.5384.