Summer Sessions at Truman State University

JBA: A Pre-College Summer Academy

The Joseph Baldwin Academy is a three-week residential program on the Truman State University campus that offers an academically challenging curriculum for students that have completed grades 7-9.

This summer academy introduces highly talented middle and junior high students to college life in general.

  • live in a residence hall and adapt to living with a roommate
  • select one class offered in an area of the liberal arts, including the humanities, fine arts, natural sciences, and social sciences
  • work with exceptional teachers, engage in the Truman community, and make new friends from around the country

    Session I

    June 7 – 27, 2025

    Session II

    July 5-25, 2025

The JBA Experience

Chemistry students working in the lab

JBA students get a head start on their future university careers by living like college freshmen for three weeks. During their time on campus, students:

  • gain an increased appreciation for the pleasures of education and intellectual engagement
  • discover a place where students are accepted for who they are
  • learn what a college experience looks like first hand
  • grow both academically and socially as they interact with other high-ability students

 Student eligibility to qualify for nomination

  • Students who will complete the 7th, 8th, or 9th grade at the conclusion of the current academic year
  • High achievers as indicated by GPA, IQ, enrollment in gifted courses, high standardized test scores, or equivalent measurement

 Who can nominate a student?

  • guidance counselors
  • school principals
  • gifted education teachers
  • parents of home-school students

 Important Deadlines

  • October 23, 2024: Nominations by educators due
  • November 2024: Applications open
  • December 2, 2024: Priority consideration deadline
  • January 8, 2025: Final deadline to accept applications
  • First week of March 2025: Notification of acceptance to Academy

Have questions?

We’re here to help.

Joseph Baldwin Academy
Truman State University
100 E. Normal Ave.
Kirksville, Missouri 53501

Email: jba@truman.edu
Phone: 660-785-5384