Drake University has announced plans to host summer camps for teenagers in 2026, with programs focused on music, health care, and media. The announcement, first reported by KCCI NewsChannel 8, signals the university's continued investment in youth programming ahead of next year's summer season.

While specific dates, costs, and curriculum details have not yet been released, the broad categories suggest Drake is targeting high school students who are exploring potential career paths or looking to deepen their skills in creative and professional fields. For families in the Des Moines area and beyond, these camps could offer a structured, college-based experience during the summer months.

What the camps may cover

Music, health care, and media represent three distinct but equally important sectors. Drake University already has established programs in each area, including a well-regarded music school, a growing health sciences division, and a strong journalism and media communication department. Summer camps built around these subjects would likely draw on existing faculty expertise and campus facilities.

A music camp for teens might include instrument or vocal instruction, ensemble performance, music theory workshops, or recording studio sessions. Drake's College of Arts and Sciences houses the Department of Music, which offers degrees in performance, education, and composition. A summer program could give high school musicians a taste of collegiate-level training without the full commitment of a degree.

A health care camp could introduce students to professions such as nursing, physical therapy, pharmacy, or public health. Drake's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is one of the university's oldest and most respected units. A summer camp might include lab demonstrations, simulations, guest lectures from practitioners, or shadowing opportunities — though nothing has been confirmed. For teens considering a medical or allied health career, early exposure to the field can be invaluable.

The media camp likely encompasses journalism, broadcast, digital content creation, or strategic communication. Drake's School of Journalism and Mass Communication has produced alumni working at major news organizations and media companies. A summer program could teach teens how to report, shoot video, edit audio, or manage social media campaigns. In an era where information literacy is increasingly important, hands-on media training for high school students serves both career preparation and civic education.

Why Drake is investing in teen summer camps

University-run summer camps have become a standard way for institutions to connect with potential students years before they apply for admission. For Drake, a private university in Des Moines with an enrollment of roughly 5,000 students, hosting camps helps build brand awareness among families in the Midwest and beyond. It also generates summer revenue while keeping campus active during otherwise quiet months.

For teens, these camps provide a low-risk opportunity to experience college life. Participants live in dorms (if residential), eat in dining halls, and navigate a campus environment. They get to interact with professors and current students in a setting that is educational but less formal than a semester class. Many universities report that summer camp attendees are more likely to apply and enroll later on.

Drake has run summer programs before, including sports camps, academic enrichment programs, and workshops for younger students. The 2026 offering appears to be a continuation of that tradition, with a specific focus on older teens who are starting to think seriously about college and career choices.

What parents and students should know

Until Drake releases full details — likely in late 2025 or early 2026 — families can only plan based on the general categories announced. Here is what to watch for when the specifics arrive:

• Eligibility: Most teen camps target rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Some programs may have age minimums or require a portfolio or audition for competitive tracks like music or media.
• Cost: University summer camps vary widely, from a few hundred dollars for day-only programs to several thousand for residential multi-week experiences. Drake has not announced pricing, but families should budget accordingly and check for scholarships or financial aid.
• Duration: Camps can last anywhere from a few days to multiple weeks. The 2026 schedule will clarify whether these are intensive one-week sessions or longer programs.
• Application process: Some camps require applications, teacher recommendations, or submission of work samples. Early notification is common, so interested families should sign up for Drake's mailing list.

Broader context: university summer camps are on the rise

Drake is far from alone in running teen summer programs. Across the country, universities from Harvard to local community colleges have expanded their pre-college offerings. The trend accelerated after the pandemic, as institutions looked for new ways to engage students and fill summer capacity. Programs in STEM, the arts, and professional fields dominate the landscape.

What distinguishes Drake's announcement is the specific combination of music, health care, and media. Those three areas overlap with some of the fastest-growing employment sectors and also align with student interests. Music and media appeal to creative teens, while health care attracts those with a service orientation. By offering all three in the same summer, Drake may be trying to capture a diverse range of applicants.

For teens who are undecided about their future, a multi-week camp in one of these fields can serve as a reality check. They might discover they love working in a hospital setting, or realize that journalism requires more public interaction than they expected. Either outcome is valuable. University camps are low-stakes experiments that help students make more informed decisions about their education and career paths.

What comes next

The 2026 summer camps are still at the announcement stage. Drake University will need to finalize curriculum, hire staff, set pricing, and open registration. Parents and students should keep an eye on the university's youth programs webpage or contact the admissions office for updates.

Given that the announcement came in 2025 — with two summers still to go before 2026 — Drake likely aims to capture early interest and allow families to plan ahead. Competition for spots in popular university summer camps can be stiff, especially for residential programs with limited capacity. Early registration probably will be encouraged.

For now, the key takeaway is straightforward: Drake University is committing to teen education in three important fields. The specific details will matter, but the direction is clear. High school students in the Midwest who are passionate about music, health care, or media should mark their calendars and prepare to apply when the doors open.