Pre-University Program Offers High School Students Opportunity to Earn College Credit at Winthrop University

ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA — The College of Visual and Performing Arts at Winthrop University will host the first Pre-University Summer Program July 7-21, 2018. This program allows high school students to earn three college credits over two weeks through a variety of artistic experiences with Winthrop's world class artistic faculty and staff.

During the program, students are enrolled in Winthrop's Arts Lab course and collaborate with other students across a variety of disciplines — music, theatre, dance, studio art and design — in the production and performance of interdisciplinary arts events. In the evenings and weekends, students are given time to work on assigned projects and attend immersion workshops that are discipline-specific, offering opportunities to explore and/or focus on new ideas and techniques.

Participants will be able to experience the independence and responsibility of college life, as all students are required to live on campus for the duration of the program, including weekends. Lodging and food are included in the cost of the program.

"Students will be immersed in the arts and the culture of Winthrop during their time at Pre-University," said Jeffrey Bellantoni, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. "The chance to earn college credit before graduating from high school is a great opportunity for many students to consider what they may pursue later on in life."

To attend, applicants must be between 16 and 18 years of age and currently enrolled in grades 10-12. A completed Pre-University application form, $50 non-refundable application fee and a 250-word personal essay are required. A letter of recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor is recommended but not required for admission. A portfolio or audition is not required for attending Pre-University.

For more information, contact Whitney Hough, director of communications and community engagement for the College of Visual and Performing Arts, at 803/323-2399 or houghw@winthrop.edu, or visit the website at www.winthrop.edu/arts.