Summer Programs
The Fisk University Beth Madison Howse Mini-College
The Fisk University Beth Madison Howse Mini-College was established around 1980 as the brainchild of Mrs. Ingrid Collier. She wrote a proposal to President Walter Leonard detailing her vision of providing a college-like atmosphere for school-aged children where fun and learning math, science, fitness, language arts, social studies, art, music, speech, dance, etc. were intertwined. Beth Howse was the first director and ran the mini-college well for thirty-two years. The students were led in instruction by educators and professionals from the University, as well as the city at large. The class schedule was likened to college students in as much as there were MWF classes and T/H classes. Fridays were always fun-filled with field trips, guest speakers or movies. They were surrounded by Fisk culture and it was the general goal of the mini college to encourage children to think of college attendance at a young age and perhaps even consider matriculating at Fisk.
Today, Mrs. Collier’s vision is still holding true and the current director is determined to allow the legacy of Beth Howes to live on through the continuation of the Mini-College. We accept applications from children ages 5-12. The curriculum is still centered on cultural arts, math, science, speech, music, dance, computer programing, Spanish, Life’s Little Lessons, Black History, Field trips, etc. There is a lot of fun to be had by all!!
Program Goal: Surround children with Fisk culture and encourage them to think of college attendance at a young age and perhaps even consider matriculating at Fisk.
Information Coming Soon!
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE SUMMER! PROGRAM DATES ARE JUNE 10TH THROUGH JULY 25TH
Welcome to the THRUST, GUSTO, and PCSI Summer Programs, and what we hope will be a long and successful relationship for your children. Thank you for your trust and faith in our abilities to positively impact the readiness of your child for success in school and in life.
All programs are concerned with providing enriching activities that expose students to—and prepares them for—careers in math and science disciplines. GUSTO is a community partnership that is co-sponsored with the Spruce Street Baptist Church CDC. We seek to help those students (boys & girls) entering grades five through high school who are historically under-represented and underserved position themselves to take advantage of STEM activities and opportunities—but is open to all. STEM stands for: Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics and represents the most promising areas for future career success. Whether their interests are their or not, the children will receive tools that help their problem resolution and critical thinking skills.
Further, we seek to (1) identify talented, gifted and/or highly capable students among the under-represented or undeserved in our schools; (2) provide high-ability, low-performing students with the skills, motivation, and resources necessary for success in school; (3) bring rich, challenging programs proven to integrate learning, foster leadership and cooperation, and academic enrichment required for success; and (4) encourage participation in local and national competitions in order to expose students to different careers, scholarships, build confidence, and cultivate tomorrow’s leaders.
This will be the sixteenth year for THRUST, the fifteenth for the GUSTO, and the sixth for PCSI program. They are enrichment programs offering applied/”hands-on” learning experiences with access and a deep relationship to a college environment.
PHILOSOPHY
We believe ALL CHILDREN CAN SUCCEED!! Our campers will be provided enrichment opportunities in address of areas of weakness/needing improvement, and those “tools for their success” to sustain that success. These “tools” are: organization, time management, study skills, test preparation, reading/writing exercises, mentoring, etc.. We believe that together we can improve their literacy and enhance their educational experience.
The Pre-College Summer Program provides an academically stimulating and culturally motivating experience. With the goal of increasing the number of students who successfully matriculate through the undergraduate curriculum, the Pre-College Program is designed to bridge the gap of skills and knowledge between high school and college. Students are not only provided with academic support during the four-week summer experience but continue receiving tutoring, academic counseling and mentoring through the fall and spring semesters of the school year.
What is the application deadline for the Pre-College program?
The extended application deadline for new students is June 27.
Where should I send the completed application, official transcript and letters of recommendation?
Mail to: Isaac Thompson
Email to: ithompson@fisk.edu
Program Director
1000 17th Ave. N.
DuBois Hall, Ste. 222
Nashville, TN, 37208
615.329.8605 (office) / 615.972-4447
What are the dates for the Pre-College program?
The program dates are July 5th through August 4th. Activities begin on Tuesday, July 5th. Students move into housing at Crosthwaite Hall on the campus of Fisk University, that morning from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Please make an effort to arrive during these hours because activities start shortly after, but we will be manned for later check-ins if necessary.
Should I bring any money when I come to the program?
The program cost of $3,260 covers class needs, planned activities, and provides meals at the breakfast, lunch, and dinner hours. You should have enough personal funds to provide for your wants/needs (snacks, toiletries, or activities) outside of those planned by the program.
Why am I being asked to provide FAFSA information for 2023-24 and 2024-25?
The 2024-25 FAFSA will be evaluated in cases where Financial Aid can be used for Pre-College, which counts against the previous academic year. Once your application is submitted, contact Financial Aid at: financialaid@fisk.edu for questions regarding eligibility.
Payment Links?
Students should log-in into your student portal to make your payment:
Where will I live?
Students are housed at Crosthwaite Hall on the campus of Fisk University. They are 2-person rooms, with access to kitchen, common lounge/lobby areas, and community bathrooms.
Can I choose my roommate?
Students do not always get to choose their roommates. For the Pre-College Program, students are intermingled from the applications on a “first come, first served” basis, which affords everyone the opportunity to make new friends. From those interactions and in some situations, it is possible to request for the fall semester…but not guaranteed.
What classes will I take?
Composition I or II
New Student Orientation
Leadership Development
Mathematics
Computer Proficiency
Can I receive credit for the classes?
Yes. Participants will receive up to 6 credit hours toward their degree. Our credited offerings are subject to change, but currently include: Composition, Leadership Development/Career Planning, and New Student Orientation/Service Learning.
Can I choose the classes I want to take?
No, the curriculum is set and the only class differences are in how they are credited by earned AP credits.
What are the hours of the classes?
Classes and other daily sessions are usually held from 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The times are subject to change depending on the instructors, but will be communicated at move-in. Study times, activities, and group interactions are typically scheduled during evening hours and/or on weekends.
Are textbooks used for the classes?
Textbooks (online or hardcopy) are used for the majority of the classes. We also use online resources when available as prescribed by the instructors.
Can I keep the textbooks?
No, textbooks are returned unless you are notified that you can keep the book.
What is the academic expectation of participants in the program?
The curriculum is designed to help students build a foundation, establish academic habits, and hone skills needed to matriculate successfully through Fisk University…It doesn’t lack challenges, however. If students apply themselves, actively participate, and avail themselves of all provided resources, you should reap all of the benefits of this early collegiate interaction.
For conditional admits successful completion of the summer curriculum is highly encouraged to insure your full admittance in the fall semester. All participants will receive a final grade and the associated credits for each such course in the program. This is the start of your college career, and the grades from this program will provide the first building blocks of your GPA. Performance in these classes will solidify or jeopardize your scholarships/financial aid.
Will I automatically be admitted to the program?
Enrollment in the Pre-College Program is exclusive to those deposited students who have been accepted by Fisk and have committed to being enrolled and on campus in the fall.
How many days can I miss from the program?
Unless students are ill or there is an emergency situation, full attendance to all classes is expected.
Are meals provided?
Yes. The program provides meals at the breakfast, lunch, and dinner hours at the Fisk cafeteria as follows:
Monday - Friday
Breakfast 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Lunch 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Dinner 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday
Brunch 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Dinner 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
If I have medication is there a placed it can be stored?
There is a student lounge in each dormitory, which is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, sink, and television.
Does the program provide extracurricular activities?
Yes, Nashville has a broad range of activities that are available to students, and PCP will expose its participants to many of them throughout the four-week session.
Does this program provide transportation?
The PCP program provides transportation for all planned events.
I don’t have a car, how will I get around Nashville?
For the most part, your comings and goings while in the program will be regulated and relegated to the planned activities. A fair amount of free-time is scheduled in, however our expectation is that you maintain a close proximity to the campus. At no point should you be away from campus without the knowledge of authorized PCP staff and/or parental consent. In those instances, there are numerous transportation options in Nashville such as: city busses, taxis, Uber and Lyft.
Can I drive my car to Fisk?
Yes, however, you will be responsible for purchasing a parking permit from Fisk’s Department of Safety and Security. The estimated cost is $75 for the five-week program. Cars parked on campus without a permit are subject to be towed and you are responsible for those charges.
I live in Nashville and I will drive to campus each day, what do I do about parking?
Same as the previous question.
Is there a gym?
Students have access to Fisk’s Henderson A. Johnson gymnasium, the track, and the tennis courts during the five-weeks of the program.
Will there be opportunities for me to meet Fisk students, faculty and staff?
Absolutely! Fisk’s students, faculty and staff welcome the opportunity to meet students. We encourage all students not to be reluctant to initiate conversations with any member of the Fisk community. In addition, many of the New Student Orientation activities will be jointly attended with the students who come in for Orientation/Registration but are not participants with PCP.
What kind of clothing cannot be worn at the PCP program?
Shorts (or other clothing of an inappropriate length) Halter/Tube/Crop tops (excessively revealing)
Pajamas (in public)
Sagging pants
See through (excessive holes) or suggestive clothing showing too much
Caps which are not removed upon entrance to building(s)
T-shirts displaying profanity, lewd messages, or promoting illegal activities
Clothing in direct violation of the University dress code
What is the Closing Ceremony?
It is the Finale’ which chronicles the academic experiences/achievements of the students during the six-weeks of the program. It is expected that all PCP students participate in this activity.
If I have additional questions, who should I contact?
The “frequently asked questions” listed here are designed to answer most of your questions. If you have other questions/concerns, e-mail Mr. Isaac Thompson at: ithompson@fisk.edu.