Are you a high-achieving middle school student who loves learning? The Central Honors Institute (CHI) is an exciting academic camp designed just for you!
Camp Details
Dates: June 14 – 17, 2026
Location: Central Community College – Columbus Campus
Grades: Students entering 7th or 8th grade in Fall 2026
Camp Type: Four-day residential academic camp
About CHI
CHI is a challenging and fun academic camp for high-ability learners from across the state.
During camp, you will:
Meet other motivated students like you
Live on a college campus
Participate in hands-on STEM learning
Explore new ideas and challenge yourself
You will live in one of CCC’s modern residence halls and eat all meals in the campus cafeteria. Each day includes engaging classes and organized social activities.
Academic Tracks
You will choose one of three STEM-based tracks.
You will explore your creative side in new and exciting ways.
You may:
Design games and inventions
Participate in improv, writing and acting
Use technology like 3D printing
Work in teams to solve problems
You will build confidence and discover creativity you didn’t know you had.
Do you enjoy problem-solving and puzzles? This track is for you.
You will:
Use math, technology and logic
Solve “crime scene” cases
Work as a team to analyze evidence
This advanced track challenges your thinking while keeping learning fun.
This biology-based track takes learning outside the classroom.
You will:
Study a real aquatic ecosystem
Explore food webs and biodiversity
Collect and analyze scientific data
You will use real scientific methods to learn about stream ecology.
Faculty and Learning Environment
Your instructors are experienced educators who love working with high-ability students.
At CHI, you will:
Be academically challenged
Feel supported and accepted
Learn in a positive and encouraging environment
CCC – Columbus has proudly hosted CHI since 2003.
Social Activities
Learning is important, but fun matters too!
You will enjoy activities such as:
Swimming
Bowling
Putt-putt
Frisbee golf
Group games and challenges
You will meet students from different schools and build lasting friendships.
Daily Camp Schedule
Here’s what a typical day looks like:
7:30 – 8:15 a.m. — Breakfast
8:15 – 8:45 a.m. — Group activity or challenge
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Morning classes
12:00 – 12:45 p.m. — Lunch
12:45 – 1:15 p.m. — Organized lunch activities
1:30 – 4:00 p.m. — Afternoon classes
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. — Group activity or challenge
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. — Dinner
6:30 – 9:00 p.m. — Evening social activities
9:30 – 10:00 p.m. — Residence hall time
10:00 p.m. — Lights out
First and Last Day Information
The 2026 schedule is being finalized.
If you are accepted, you will receive:
Check-in and check-out details
A packing list
Additional camp information
These materials will be mailed in late May.
Eligibility Requirements
You may apply if you:
Are entering 7th or 8th grade in Fall 2026
Score 65th percentile or higher in all areas, or
Score 80th percentile or higher in at least one area on an approved test
Accepted assessments include:
MAP, SAT, SRA, MAT, CAT, ITBS, CTBS, STAR and NSCAS
ACT and NeSA scores are not accepted.
How to Apply
Application Deadline: April 1, 2026
Complete an online or paper application
A current math, science or language arts teacher must submit a recommendation
A school counselor or official must complete the qualifying standards section
Admission is competitive and based on academics and recommendations.
Students selected for CHI will be notified in mid-April.
Cost and Scholarships
Total Cost: $435
Includes:
Instruction
Room and meals
Supplies
Activities
CHI T-shirt
Do not send payment with your application.
Partial scholarships of up to $175 are available for students with financial need.
Tuition is due after acceptance in mid-April
No refunds are available after June 1
Camp Leadership
Erica Chochon, Regional Director
Karin Rieger, Associate Dean of Continuing Workforce Education
Central Honors Institute is an exciting opportunity to learn, grow, and experience college life early. We can’t wait to welcome you to campus!
