Kids University: AU’s summer hub for curiosity, community and discovery 

What does it look like when young learners “bring their A games” to Augusta University? Just step into Kids University, where summer becomes an adventure filled with discovery, creativity and hands-on learning.

Hosted by AU’s College of Education and Human Development, Kids University has ignited young minds since 2005. Over the last five years, the program has offered a unique space where children explore, faculty share their expertise and alumni return to inspire the next generation of leaders.

“Kids University is an affordable, high-quality summer camp designed to nurture children’s humanity through enrichment classes not typically available in traditional school settings,” said Nai-Cheng Kuo, PhD, professor and program director for the Department of Teaching and Leading.

The program’s academic quality is overseen by Kim Barker, PhD, associate dean for academics and an educator-researcher within COEHD. She emphasized the rare opportunity for children to learn in a university environment.

“This camp takes place on a major university campus. It’s an opportunity for children to interact with high-level curriculum and benefit from the same resources we bring into our classrooms,” Barker said. “They’re exposed to a variety of subjects and walk away with knowledge they didn’t have, a new interest or a deeper understanding of something they were already passionate about.”

Barker also emphasized the strong sense of community that Kids University fosters.

“The friendships they form are lasting. Many of the children return year after year, and it becomes like a family,” she said. “I love the opportunities it gives them to engage with professionals — it offers a new perspective on what’s possible for their future.”

That connection to community is essential to the program’s mission.

“Kids University reaches deep into the community by providing meaningful educational experiences,” Kuo said. “Children love it, and parents consistently express high satisfaction in our weekly surveys.”

The program also serves as a platform for research and innovation. Karen Collier, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Teaching and Leading, brings her STEM Literacy Project to life through Kids University. Her research focuses on informal learning experiences that support students who may not thrive in traditional classrooms.

“Informal education offers students a clean slate. It opens doors for those who might not connect with STEM in a regular school setting,” Collier said. “They’re excited — that’s authentic learning.”

Collier’s research is applied directly in the STEM literacy class taught by Katherine Barker, a 2023 graduate of Augusta University’s Master of Arts in Teaching program. To assess student growth, Collier’s team uses tools like weekly surveys and a “draw a scientist” activity.

“Many students start by drawing someone who looks like Einstein. But by the end, we hope they draw someone who looks like them,” Collier said. “You don’t have to look a certain way to be a scientist.”

For Katherine Barker, teaching the STEM literacy class has been a rewarding full-circle experience.

“It’s been so fun; the days go by quickly,” she said. “Working with Dr. Collier has shown me that science can be done at home. It’s more accessible than I realized, and that’s been empowering for me and the students.”

Kids University also benefits from the expertise of Augusta University faculty and staff across disciplines. For the first time, a dedicated physical education class was introduced by Phillip Kang, PhD, assistant professor in COEHD’s Department of Kinesiology.

Additionally, Felicia Baskett, coordinator of Communication, Planning, and External Relations for COEHD, partnered with local media outlets to offer students a behind-the-scenes look at careers in journalism. Students experienced what it’s like to be a reporter, anchor or meteorologist, gaining exposure to future career possibilities.

Looking ahead, COEHD plans to expand the program through new partnerships. In 2026, Kids University will collaborate with Augusta University’s College of Nursing and COEHD’s Department of Research, Counseling, and Curriculum to introduce a quiet/reflection room for students and create hands-on opportunities for nursing students to lead safety sessions while earning clinical hours.

Through innovation, collaboration and community connection, Kids University continues to grow as a uniquely Augusta University experience, one that supports young learners, empowers educators and builds a stronger future for the region.