Rising Scholars On-Campus Experiences | Abilene Christian University

When: July 13-19, 2025

Cost: $1,000 – includes course fees for one hour credit, lodging, all meals, group excursions, and activities.

“ACU is the only school we have visited that has offered our senior a chance to “test drive” the college experience. Most decisions are made on a one time campus tour, but this program allowed my daughter to truly experience what classes would be like, dorm life, how easy it is to connect with like minded people and explore the local atmosphere.” – 2023 Rising Scholar Parent

2025 RISING SCHOLARS ON CAMPUS OFFERINGS

Caring for Livestock through God’s Commandments
Department of Agriculture and Environmental Science

Faculty: Caleta Willis

Are you passionate about animals or agriculture? Explore an introduction to livestock anatomy, nutrition, and health management practices utilized in today’s agricultural industry. Throughout the week, we will not only delve into the scientific aspects but also discuss how God’s calling for care drives our interactions with animals including cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine, and chickens. Additionally, students will have the unique chance to take a field trip to ACU’s Rhoden Farm. This visit will provide hands-on experience and a practical understanding of the concepts covered throughout the class.

Detecting DNA
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Faculty: Dr. Autumn Sutherlin

DNA is essential to every living thing, holding the instructions that allow cells to grow and function. But how do we actually know it’s there? In this hands-on course, you’ll explore the fascinating history behind the discovery of DNA and dive into real-world experiments that scientists use today. You’ll learn how to isolate DNA, measure how much is present, and even see it with your own eyes! We’ll even add DNA to cells to see how it changes their function. Join us for a closer look at the science that makes life possible.

Exploring Allied Healthcare Professions: Integrating Practice and Faith
School of Nursing

Faculty: Corissa Parris, MSN, RN

When it comes to healthcare, where do you start? Which career field is best for you? How do you live out your mission? This course will explore various allied healthcare professions (nurses, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physical therapists, counselors, etc.) through case studies, specific job descriptions and content, and first-hand healthcare experience in our simulation lab. Integrating Christian principles into a field of service will teach us all how to make a difference in healthcare.

Innovative Engineering
Department of Engineering and Physics

Faculty: Dr. Tim Kennedy and Dr. Darby Hewitt

Are you ready to dive into a world where creativity meets technology? Imagine solving real-world challenges with cutting-edge tools. This course offers a unique chance to explore different engineering fields, from robotics and aerospace to environmental engineering, all while working on fun, interactive projects. You’ll collaborate with peers who share your passion, learn from industry professionals, and gain skills that will set you apart in college and beyond. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to turn your innovative ideas into reality and discover what engineering is all about

Introduction to Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing
Department of Engineering and Physics

Faculty: Dr. Jim Drachenberg

The Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Lab at ACU invites advanced STEM students to join the NEXT team for a week of instruction and hands-on experience in our research facilities. The mission of ACU’s NEXT Lab is to provide global solutions to the world’s need for energy, water and medical isotopes by advancing the technology of molten salt reactors while educating future leaders in nuclear science and engineering.

Roblox Game Lab: Build, Design, Play
School of Information Technology

Faculty: Dr. Brian Burton and Rich Tanner

Unlock your potential in game development with our Roblox course. Designed as an introductory experience, this class will guide you through the fundamentals of Roblox game development, even if you’ve never coded before. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience in Roblox Studio, you’ll find yourself challenged and inspired. Led by expert faculty with deep industry experience, you’ll learn the skills to design, build, and publish your own games on Roblox. This course covers everything from basic scripting and 3D modeling to game mechanics and user interface design. Along the way, you’ll gain valuable skills in problem-solving, creativity, and digital literacy—skills that are increasingly in demand in today’s tech-driven world. Prepare to unleash your creativity and take your first steps toward a future in game development, all while creating games that could be played by millions of users worldwide.

Sports Media in the Studio
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

Faculty: Hutton Harris

This course will offer a combination of sports media production and relevant hands-on experience with ACUTV, our state-of-the-art studio. Students will be challenged to create, produce and edit stories that will be inserted in a live news broadcast each day. Our goal is to give students a professional experience with cutting-edge technology and supply them with confidence for the world of production.

Thinking Morally: An Introduction to Ethics
Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry

Faculty: Dr. Vic McCracken

What is the right thing to do? What does it mean to be a good person? Are there “right” answers to moral questions, or is morality entirely subjective? In this course, students will explore foundational questions and theories in the world of ethics, with special attention given to the ways that Christian faith informs how we think about our moral decisions. Students will explore some important “thought experiments” in the world of moral philosophy and consider how moral philosophy informs contemporary debates on important moral issues.

Visual Design and Creativity
Department of Art + Design

Faculty: Nil Santana

In this course, students will delve into design thinking—a methodology that integrates problem-solving techniques with principles of creativity, brainstorming, and iteration. Class sessions will feature hands-on, project-based activities that foster interdisciplinary collaboration and promote impactful solutions across various contexts. Throughout the Visual Design and Creativity course, students will learn to generate innovative ideas, bring them to life through simple prototyping, and ultimately present their designs at the course’s conclusion.

Wildcat Stars Under the Spotlight
Department of Theatre

Faculty: Dawne Swearingen-Meeks

Step onto the theatrical stage and let your light shine. Whether you are a seasoned thespian and want to polish up your audition technique or are new to the world of theatre, you are invited to step into the spotlight and spend a week training for Musical Theatre Performance. Students will be exposed to theatre technique for the singer, actor, and dancer, through musical theatre song breakdown, actor/singer coaching, improv and choreography. The week will culminate with a showcase performance with ACU Theatre Wildcat Stars under the Spotlight!

World War Writers
Department of Language and Literature

Faculty: Dr. Cole Bennett

What do poetry, literature, and love have to do with war? How did burgeoning writers like Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Salinger, Hughes, McKay, and others capture moments of joy and pain in America among a rapidly changing, dangerous world? Join Dr. Cole Bennett for a class on World War Writers who focused on the troubles surrounding the two world wars of the 20th century. We’ll read some exciting poetry and short stories as we talk about how Modernism (as a movement) influenced some of the most canonical readings of the century.

Important Dates

November 1, 2024 – Application opens
January 15, 2025 – Early Application Deadline
- February 1, 2025 – student contract and $500 non-refundable payment due to early admits to guarantee spot
June 1, 2025 – Regular Application Deadline (applications will be accepted until June 1 as space is available)
- June 15, 2025 – student contract and $500 non-refundable payment due to regular deadline admits
June 20 – Waitlist students notified if space is available

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the application requirements?

Submit the online application.
Students must be a current high school sophomore or junior.
Submit a letter of recommendation completed by a current high school teacher or administrator.
Rising Scholars on campus is competitive and limited spots are available.

What are the academic expectations?

Students who enroll in Rising Scholars are enrolling as an ACU student for a one hour course. Students are expected to go to class and complete all assignments related to the course.

Where do students stay?

Rising Scholars stay on campus in Bullock Hall. Men and women are housed separately in the dorm.

What does the schedule look like?

The program begins on Sunday evening and concludes on Saturday morning. Students will go to class Monday through Friday for approximately 3 hours each day. Outside of class, students will live the ACU experience. Activities include spiritual development, intramurals, small groups, games, experiences around Abilene and free time.

Can I bring my car to campus?

Yes, students can choose to bring a vehicle to campus. If given permission by their parents, students can leave campus during free time.

Is there a curfew in the residence hall?

Yes, curfew will be enforced by residence life staff at 11 p.m. each evening

What if I need to fly to Abilene?

American Airlines flies into Abilene Regional Airport. ACU will provide transportation from ABI airport to campus.

On-Campus Experiences

Rising Scholars

KEY DATES