Royal Oak, MI — Baker College secured more than $213,000 in grant funding to expand summer learning opportunities for middle school and high school students across Michigan, strengthening access to college credit, hands-on learning, and early career exploration.
The funding was awarded through two major initiatives led by Dr. LaTasha Ellis, Dean of Undergraduate Programs, and will support summer camps and dual enrollment programming during the Summer 2026 season.
Baker College received $63,360 from the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) as part of the 2025–2026 Out-of-School Time (OST) Learning Grant. This funding will support dual enrollment summer camps for high school students at the Owosso and Royal Oak campuses, with a goal of serving 100 students. Upon successful completion, participating students will earn six college credits, helping them accelerate their academic journey before graduating high school.
In addition, Baker College was awarded $150,000 through the Summer Discovery program, an initiative of BallmerGroup!, to host a six-week middle school summer camp focused on academic enrichment and exploration. The program aims to serve 75 middle school students and will include instruction in STEM, math, and English, along with engaging field trips and enrichment activities.
“These grants allow Baker College to expand access to high-quality summer learning while removing barriers for students and families,” said Dr. LaTasha Ellis, Dean of Undergraduate Programs. “Whether students are earning college credit or exploring new academic interests, these programs create meaningful pathways to confidence, curiosity, and future success.”
Summer 2026 Program Offerings
Royal Oak Campus
- Middle School Summer Camp
June 22 – July 30, 2026 | Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Open to all middle school students, any district - High School Dual Enrollment Camp
June 29 – August 9, 2026 | Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Open to all high school students, any district
Students earn six college credits
Baker College will partner with DAPCEP to support student participation
Owosso Campus
- Middle School Biology Camp
June 22 – June 26, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Open to all middle school students, any district - High School Dual Enrollment Camp
June 29 – August 9, 2026 | Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Open to all high school students, any district
Students earn six college credits
Registration for Summer 2026 programs is now open for these expanded offerings that build on Baker College’s successful 2025 STEM summer camps, hosted in partnership with DAPCEP, which immersed middle school students in hands-on learning experiences in biology, robotics, and game development using college-level facilities and expert instruction.
The dual enrollment summer camps are an extension of Baker College’s highly regarded Running Start program, which allows high school students to earn real college credit through rigorous, college-level coursework. The program is nationally accredited by NACEP and served nearly 700 students last year. Recognized by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), Baker is the first institution in Michigan to hold dual NACEP accreditation in both concurrent enrollment and college-provided faculty pathways.
Through continued investment and collaboration, Baker remains committed to expanding early college access, supporting academic confidence, and creating engaging summer learning experiences for students across the state.
Baker College is an independent, private, non-profit institution that grants associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees on six campuses across Michigan and online. Founded in 1911, the institution’s mission is to provide an inclusive, innovative, and transformative educational experience, driven by a student-first philosophy. Learn more at baker.edu and follow on X, Meta, and Instagram.