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Current Voices: High School Summer STEAM Academy

Current Voices is a week-long, interdisciplinary humanities program for high school students that explores the cultural, historical, and environmental significance of the Roanoke River through storytelling, poetry, history, and hands-on field experiences. Students will spend mornings exploring the river and local waterways with scientists, historians, and community partners, and afternoons on campus working with poets, humanists, and educators to reflect on identity, place, and community through creative expression.

Dates: July 14 - 18, 2026

For: Rising 9th-12th graders

Cost: $550.00 

Students at the Roanoke River

See what it's like 👀

Last year students spent a week learning all about the Roanoke River through a variety of academic lenses. With visits to the river to study biology and environmental humanities, classroom sessions on psychology, history, and writing, tours of campus including a photography and media class, a service project, and college readiness conversations, the week was a great blend of learning, connection, and future-planning.

Academy Highlights

✅ Take hands-on classes with Roanoke College professors in Biology, Environmental Studies, English, Anthropology, History, Psychology, and Media/Photography
✅ Visit with local partners like the Western Virginia History Museum and Clean Valley Council
✅ Experience the outdoors with field trips to the Roanoke River and a behind-the-scenes look at Roanoke’s historic Crystal Spring Pump Station
✅ Enjoy daily lunch through Roanoke College’s award-winning Dining Services
✅ Learn the ropes of college with a campus tour, college readiness workshops, and financial aid info sessions
✅ Show what you’ve learned during a Friday afternoon showcase for families and educators

Schedule

This five‑day immersive camp takes students on a journey through the science, stories, and creative expressions of our local waterways.

Day 1

Participants begin with hands‑on river biology and water‑quality exploration paired with an introduction to nature writing and environmental humanities.

Day 2

Deeper study of natural cycles, historic waterways, and creative expression through psychology and cultural perspectives.

Day 3

Applied learning with a river clean‑up project, museum‑led sessions, and workshops in science, folklore, and personal writing.

Day 4

Students then expand their skills through forensics, plant biology, nature photography, and a college‑readiness workshop designed to build confidence and preparedness.

Day 5

The final day centers on conservation site visits, collaborative showcase preparation, and a celebratory presentation for families and community partners.

Camp Faculty

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Contact Us

If you have any questions about the camp, please contact:

Heather Johnson
540-375-2041
hljohnson@roanoke.edu