July Experience is a pre-college, 3-week summer academic enrichment program for rising high school junior and seniors offered June 30-July 21, 2012.  The program is sponsored by Davidson College and offers a preview of college life on one of the most beautiful residential campuses in the Southeast.

Academics
Students enroll in two courses representing two different subject areas selected from several liberal arts disciplines.  Classes meet for 90 minute periods each weekday with additional laboratory sessions in selected courses.  Professors develop strong relationships with students and are available to meet them outside of class to enhance understanding or pursue additional interests.

Students will receive certificates, and their secondary schools will be notified of successfully completed courses.  Coursework is graded on the following system:  H (Honors), P (Pass) and F (Failure).

Summer 2012 offerings include:

• Three Pounds, One Quadrillion Synapses:  Discovering the Frontiers of Neuroscience
• Hitler and Nazi Germany
• Listening to Fear:  Music and Visual Media
• Work and Occupations in Modern Society
• Climate Change and Energy Choices
• Reading and Writing American Literature
• The Family and Justice
• Biology of HIV/AIDS
• Social Movements and Youth
• So You Think You Want to be a Doctor?
• Literature and Writing:  East and West
• What's Happening in Mathematics?

Co-curricular and Recreational Activity
Students choose from a wide variety of recreational and social activities on campus, including our private lake campus!  Facilities include an indoor pool, fitness center, climbing wall, basketball and tennis courts.  Water-skiing, tubing, team games, tournaments, dances, and talent shows are organized by the Davidson College students who serve as Hall Counselor-Mentors.

Off-campus trips have included:

• US National Whitewater Center
• Carowinds Theme Park
• Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
• The Mint Museum
• Discovery Place Science Museum
• Birkdale Village shopping, dining, and cinemas.

Activities also include programs on understanding the college admission process and developing your leadership style.

Campus Life
July Experience students live on single-sex corridors in a co-ed residence hall.  All college buildings, including residence halls, are air-conditioned.  Students take meals in the Vail Commons dining facility and have full access to the E. H. Little Library.  The Alvarez College Union, Baker Sports Complex and nearby Lake Campus are centers for recreational and group activities.

Hall Counselors are upper class students chosen from the Davidson College student body. Hall Counselor-Mentors assist students in any way possible and are responsible for ensuring that students are aware of and abide by the rules of the program.  The program is designed for mature, responsible, and academically motivated rising high school juniors and seniors capable of self-discipline.  

One single session takes place each July.  July Experience 2012 is June 30-July 21and costs $3500, plus approximately $100 for books.