NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Summer camps at Tennessee State University are kicking off this week, offering more than 14 programs designed to keep local children and high school students engaged through academic enrichment, athletic development and creative arts experiences.
From STEM-focused institutes to music programs and athletic clinics, TSU’s summer lineup spans a wide range of interests and age groups, giving students across Middle Tennessee and beyond opportunities to learn in hands-on environments outside the traditional classroom.
Metro Nashville families are among those preparing for the start of camp season as thousands of students finish the school year and look for structured summer activities that blend learning and fun. One of the university’s signature academic offerings this summer is the National Summer Transportation Institute, a four-week residential program hosted through TSU’s College of Engineering. Supported by the Tennessee Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. The program introduces high school students to transportation, engineering and STEM-related careers through hands-on learning and leadership development.
College of Engineering dean Lin Li said the program is designed to expand students’ academic exposure while helping them better understand future career opportunities. “The NSTI program aims to introduce STEM to high school students and foster their interest in science, engineering and mathematics,” Li said. “It enhances understanding of transportation challenges, exposes students to career opportunities and develops problem-solving and leadership skills.” Li added that the program integrates faculty expertise, lab access and industry partnerships to create a meaningful summer learning experience. This year’s cohort of 20 students is already full.
In addition to academic programs, TSU is also offering several athletic camps this summer, including a series of free volleyball camps led by TSU Head Volleyball Coach Donika Sutton. “It’s very important for us to reach and connect with the youth in the community, but it’s also our job to introduce them to organized sports and the sport of volleyball,” Sutton said.
This year’s volleyball programming includes three separate camps designed for different age groups and skill levels, ranging from beginners to advanced players preparing for competitive play.
“We’re starting with our Cubs Camp for ages 6 to 11,” Sutton said. “That’s basic skills, games and fun, just introducing them to the sport. Then we move into our skills clinic for ages 11 to 18, and our elite camp, which is much more fast-paced and runs close to a college practice setting with a lot of competition and repetition.” Sutton said accessibility remains a major focus for the program, noting that the camps are free this year to help remove financial barriers for families. “We don’t want financial barriers to stop anyone from experiencing camp,” she said. “We’re pretty much at capacity for all volleyball camps.”
Beyond academics and athletics, TSU’s summer programming also includes arts-based experiences such as the Edward L. Graves Band Camp featuring the Grammy Award-winning Aristocrat of Bands. The camp provides young musicians with instruction in performance, technique and ensemble development under TSU music leadership.
The university is also preparing for the HBCYouth Program, a flagship summer experience designed to reflect the spirit, values and excellence of HBCUs across the country. Local students can also look forward to the Joe Gilliam Football Camp, a non-contact camp for boys and girls ages 12 to 18 that focuses on skill development, teamwork and mentorship.
Leah Granderson, executive director of Planning, Design, Construction and Operations, said the wide variety of camps reflects TSU’s commitment to serving the community through education, engagement and collaboration.
“These camps show the energy and reach of TSU across academics, athletics and the arts,” Granderson said. “It’s exciting to see young people on our campus learning, exploring and building confidence in different fields. For many of these students, this may be their first time visiting a college campus, so we want it to be a memorable and positive experience that inspires them to see themselves in higher education.”
She added that the success of the programs comes from collaboration across the university. “From faculty to facilities, it truly takes a campus-wide effort,” Granderson said. “These programs reflect who we are and the impact we want to continue making in the community.”
With camps beginning this week, TSU officials say the summer season is off to a strong start, with programs expected to serve students across multiple disciplines while keeping campus active throughout the summer.
For more information about TSU summer camps, visit TSU Summer Camps.
Featured Photo: Campers and counselors during last year’s Camp HBCYouth at Tennessee State University. The summer program provides students with hands-on experiences, mentorship and exposure to HBCU culture through engaging academic and enrichment activities. (photo submitted)
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.
