The Bonner Foundation provides service-scholarships to students at 85 colleges
and universities through an AmeriCorps grant from the Corporation for National
and Community Service. This scholarship is designed to heighten the overall
education students receive by asking them to engage in ongoing service work
and helping them develop the tools and knowledge necessary to make that work
meaningful and lasting. The mission of this nationally recognized program is
to transform the lives of students, their campuses, their local communities,
and the world through service and leadership.
The Bonner Leaders Program was established in Fall 2001 as a part of Learning
in the Community (LinC), Washburn’s community service-learning office.
The leadership program provides scholarships to students willing to commit to
900 hours of service over a period of two years. Upon successful completion
of their term of service, students receive an education award which can be used
to pay tuition or federal student loans, or may be held for up to seven years
to use toward future educational expenses.
Foundation of Bonner Leaders Program
The foundation of the Bonner Leaders Program is centered on six common service
principles:
1. Social Justice – Advocate for fairness, impartiality and equality while
addressing systemic social and environmental issues.
2. Civic Engagement – Participate intentionally as a citizen in the democratic
process, actively engaging in public policy and direct service.
3. Community Building – Establish and sustain a vibrant community of place,
personal relationships and common interests.
4. Diversity – Respect and embrace the many different dimensions of diversity
in our private and public lives.
5. International Perspective – Develop international understanding that
enables students to participate successfully in a global society.
6. Spiritual Exploration – Explore personal beliefs while respecting the
spiritual practices of others.
Additionally, the program is rooted in the concept of servant leadership. This refers to people who choose to serve first, and then lead as a way of expanding service to individuals and institutions. Servant leadership encourages collaboration, trust, foresight, listening, and the ethical use of power and empowerment.
Expectations for Bonner Leaders
One of the things that makes the Bonner Leaders Program unique is that it expects
participating students to transition from volunteers to leaders in the community
during their two years of service. As this transition occurs, students are regularly
asked to reflect on the service they are doing and to explore the issues that
necessitate the need for this service. Additionally, the Bonner Leaders are
expected to support each other, interact with each other at monthly meetings,
and engage in service together. Most importantly, Bonner Leaders are expected
to truly enjoy what they are doing as they work for meaningful, sustainable
change in the community.
Leadership Opportunities
Students accepted into the program are encouraged to choose a service site that
complements their personal and/or academic interests and that addresses an issue
in the community that they feel passionate about. The program currently has
community partners in several Northeast Kansas communities that address a wide
variety of issue areas. The program encourages student leaders to develop service
projects of their own.
In recent years students have participated in various service opportunities including:
Program Admission
The Bonner Leaders Program is open to any undergraduate or graduate student
at Washburn University. Because this program is funded by AmeriCorps, you must
be a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien to be admitted,
and will be required to submit documentation verifying this fact. Applicants
need not demonstrate financial need.
Applications for admission to the Program are available in the LinC office (Benton
Hall 202) and are due by April 1st. Admission is a competitive process. Applicants
are evaluated on their commitment to service and their perceived fit with the
program’s philosophy. While GPA is not the only factor considered for
admission, it is used to help determine the level of commitment that a member
can make to the program.
If you are interested in applying to be a Bonner Leader or learning more about
the program, contact:
Richard B. Ellis, Ph.D.
Director, Bonner Leaders Program
Washburn University
1700 SW College Ave., BE 203
Topeka, KS 66621
(785) 231-1010 ext. 2117
E-mail: rick.ellis@washburn.edu
Dr. Donna LaLonde, Dean
The mission of the University Honors Program is to provide students and faculty with curricular and co-curricular opportunities for both disciplinary and interdisciplinary study and discourse.
Student Learning Outcomes
Washburn students who complete the University Honors program, upon graduation,
are expected to:
In pursuit of its mission the University Honors Program at Washburn provides opportunities for highly motivated students to enrich their educations through special honors sections of existing courses, special honors seminars and colloquia that satisfy general education requirements, independent research projects, a close working relationship with distinguished faculty, individual advising, and special intellectual, cultural and social activities. The program fits well with Washburn’s many four-year degree programs. Students work with the Honors Dean to organize Washburn’s many resources to provide ample opportunities to explore, relate, and assimilate many diverse learning experiences. Entering freshman students are especially encouraged to inquire about the University Honors Program by submitting a letter of interest. Individuals may apply on their own, they may be recommended by their high school or college faculty, or they may be invited to apply by the Dean of University Honors. Those students who demonstrate a strong probability for benefiting from, and contributing to, the program will be invited to University Honors membership. Although proven scholastic performance is important, the Honors Dean will place substantial emphasis on student interest and motivation in pursuing an honors program. Students who complete an appropriate number of University Honors courses (24 hours) and satisfy the thesis and GPA requirements will graduate with University Honors and have their transcripts so marked. Washburn is an institutional member of the National Collegiate Honors Council. For more information on the University Honors Program, contact Dr. Donna LaLonde, Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, and Dean, University Honors Program or Dr. Rachel Goossen, Associate Professor, Department of History.
INSTITUTE FOR THE STUDY AND PRACTICE OF LEADERSHIP
Website: www.washburn.edu/leadership
Henderson Learning Center, Room 101
(785) 231-1010 ext. 2000
Professor Forbach, Director
Lecturer Hawthorne, Associate Director
Mission: Develop and use resources to prepare participants to make an immediate contribution via leadership roles in their professions and communities.
Leadership Studies Certificate Program
The Leadership Studies Certificate program is an interdisciplinary program open
to baccalaureate students in all majors and degree programs. This certificate
program is designed to be completed concurrently with earning a baccalaureate
degree. The program provides graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary
to implement an effective leadership process in government, business, not-for-profit,
educational, and civic settings.
Student Learning Outcomes
Washburn graduates who complete the Leadership Studies Certificate program will
have successfully demonstrated:
Leadership Studies Certificate Program Highlights:
Program Requirements: The metric for tracking leadership development in the program is the Leadership Experience Unit (LEU). One LEU represents one hour of “time-on-task” leadership development activity. The activity can consist of any appropriate leadership study or practice recognized and sanctioned by the institute or approved by the institute director.
Types of Activities Eligible for LEUs:
Certificate Options: the program offers three certificates: Gold (1024 LEUs); Silver (896 LEUs); and Bronze (768 LEUs). Each certificate requires completion of the three leadership courses in the core curriculum and a leadership internship experience. The Gold certificate requires the broadest variety of types of leadership development activities chosen to earn LEUs. The Silver and Bronze certificates require respectively less variety in the types of activities chosen to earn LEUs. Additional program information and leadership events can be found at the website listed above.
Leadership Core Curriculum
As cultivated at Washburn, leadership is broadly defined and inclusive in scope
in order to expose students to many differing views of leadership. Three multidisciplinary
leadership courses and one leadership internship experience constitute the certificate
core curriculum. Each course has a primary focus and emphasis. The instructional
team is encouraged to embellish and enrich each course by including optional
complementary components. Optional elements are chosen to support general program
objectives.
The Leadership Institute website (see above) is a source for more information about the Leadership Institute, its activities and programs; or contact the institute director at leadership@washburn.edu.
Interdisciplinary courses have content derived from various academic disciplines.
Courses may be taught by a single faculty member proficient in the course content
or jointly by two or more faculty members from different segments or areas.
The interdisciplinary program is administered by a faculty committee chaired
by the Vice President for Academic Affairs or his/her designee.
Students who are interested in designing their own multi-disciplinary programs
should refer to the Bachelor of Integrated Studies section of the catalog. This
program is administered by the College of Arts and Sciences.
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
Website: http://www.washburn.edu/iip
International House
Tel: (785) 231-1010 ext 1051
Fax: (785) 231-1067
E-mail: international@washburn.edu
Baili Zhang, Director
Nathan Bremer, Study Abroad Advisor
The Office of International Programs is located at the west end of the International House, directly west of Memorial Union. Services coordinated by the director and staff include advising international students, assistance with study abroad, assistance to faculty and administrative officials who wish to present papers or do short-term projects abroad, assistance to international students, hosting of international guests to campus, development and maintenance of relationships with foreign universities and international programming on campus. The Director also serves as university liaison to International Center of Topeka, Inc., a community group of about 200 members interested and involved in international issues.
Study Abroad / Financial Aid
Washburn University supports three types of study abroad programs: Students
may choose:
· Type 1: study at one of the foreign institutions with which Washburn
maintains exchange agreements
· Type 2: participate in a program offered by another college or university
· Type 3: participate in a study abroad program coordinated and taught
by Washburn faculty for Washburn credit, e.g., programs offered occasionally
by the School of Nursing, Departments of Art, Social Work, English, Criminal
Justice or Education.
Whatever type of program is chosen, students must file an application for study
abroad with the Study Abroad Advisor, which includes an application for financial
aid. Application forms are available in the International House Office and the
Department of Modern Languages (Morgan Hall 375).
Financial Aid for Study Abroad
The International Education Committee recommends financial aid from designated
endowments for qualified students who wish to study abroad. To be considered
for financial aid a student should have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. (Extenuating
circumstances will be considered - check with the Study Abroad Advisor.) Students
may also apply most other types of financial aid, including student loans, toward
the cost of their study abroad programs.
Transfer of Academic Credit Earned at Foreign Institutions
Students participating in Types 1 and 2 study abroad programs are required to
file a Study Abroad Transfer Form with the Study Abroad Advisor prior to beginning
their program. This form confirms that the student consulted with his/her academic
advisor and that the academic advisor approves the proposed program of study.
This also serves as a guarantee to the student that his/her credits will be
transferred to his/her Washburn transcript upon successful completion of the
program. Academic work taken abroad normally transfers as just credit. If the
student requires a letter grade for the course or courses taken abroad, he/she
should consult the head of his/her major department or school.
Study Abroad Programs
Washburn has study abroad programs in Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark,
England, France, Holland, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, Sweden,
and Taiwan. Programs in many other countries can also be arranged through other
US schools and consortiums.
Study Abroad Courses
Students who are planning to participate in an approved program would enroll
in the appropriate Interdisciplinary Studies course after consultation with
the Director of the Office of International Programs.
IS 201 Study Abroad in North America (1-18 hrs)
IS 202 Study Abroad in Latin America (1-18 hrs)
IS 203 Study Abroad in Europe (1-18 hrs)
IS 204 Study Abroad in Asia (1-18 hrs)
IS 205 Study Abroad in Oceania (1-18 hrs)
IS 206 Study Abroad in Africa (1-18 hrs)
IS 220 Study Abroad with an Approved External
Program (1-18 hrs)
Intensive English
Website: http://www.washburn.edu/international
The Intensive English Program (IEP) offers a series of English classes designed to assist international students in need of improving their English skills before being accepted into a degree program of the University, and area residents whose native language is not English, to improve their ability to interact in the community and on the job.
Curriculum
Three levels in each of the four areas are available each semester: Speaking
and Understanding, Grammar and Structures, Reading Comprehension, and Academic
Writing. Academic Writing also has a level three course offered once a year
exclusively for graduate students. All classes follow the University schedule
and meet four hours per week in class for 16 weeks.
Students can utilize the Writing Center and the Conversational English Service,
which are one-on-one instructions provided by or associated with the University
free of charge to the students. A full-time student typically takes four courses
and receives 12 hours of instruction for 12 hours of credit. Students can also
spend up to three hours in the Conversational English Service and the Writing
Center per week. In addition, students have full access to other University
services and facilities, such as the health center, computer and language labs,
libraries, and athletic events/facilities, free of charge.
Credit
Students receive academic credit for courses taken in the IEP. However, the
credit is not applied toward degree programs. Course work with letter grades
will be posted on the official transcript.
Lab
The Language Lab, located in Morgan 379, has PC's, network stations, audio stations,
and TV's/VCR's for students to use. Students can access PC language packages,
software on the network, the internet, audio tapes, video tapes, and Laserdiscs.
Admission
Prospective students are encouraged to contact the program director before enrolling.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is not required for admission
to the IEP. Students can enter University degree programs without TOEFL after
completing the IEP. Those who need only part-time enrollment in the IEP can
take for-credit academic courses concurrently.
Dr. Tom Schmiedeler, Director
The Center for Kansas Studies is a group of Washburn university faculty who
convene regularly to promote and share their interest in Kansas. The Center
is dedicated to encouraging Kansas Studies by offering courses in the Kansas
Studies Program, by creating resources and providing information about Kansas
resources at Washburn University and around the state, by offering programming
on Kansas topics, and by providing outreach programs that focus on the past,
present and future of Kansas.
To obtain the optional minor in Kansas Studies, a student must complete at least
15 hours from among the courses listed below, with at least 6 of those hours
at the upper division level. The Director of the Center for Kansas Studies will
serve in the role of department chair for certification that a student has successfully
met the requirements for this optional minor.
Student Learning Outcomes
Kansas Studies minors at Washburn University, upon graduation, are expected
to have:
Courses which could be applied toward the requirements of the minor are:
AN 225 Kansas Archaeology
AR 114 Art and Architecture of Kansas
BI 170 Kansas Ecology
BI 280 Special Topics (when taught as Kansas Amphibians,
Turtles & Reptiles or Kansas Birds)
EN 138 Kansas Literature
EN 190 Film Appreciation (when taught as “Kansas in the
Movies”)
EN 399 Special Topics (When taught as Kansas Characters)
GG 304 Kansas Geography
HI 317 Topeka and Urban American History
HI 300 Topics in History (When taught as Kansas Characters)
HI 322 Kansas History
HI 397 Internship in Historical Agencies
IS 400 Topics (When taught as Kansas Characters)
MM 402 Kansas and the Media
PO 107 American State and Local Government
PO 300A Kansas Politics
PO 307 Internship in State and Local Government
A broadly based liberal education has always been accepted as the ideal preparation for graduate study. Pre-professional programs suggested by an increasing number of professional schools include from three to four years of study in the liberal arts field. Washburn University emphasizes in its group requirements the type of cultural foundation that professional and advanced technical schools prefer. Furthermore, Washburn’s wide range of elective courses affords specific introductions to a variety of professional and occupational fields. The following suggestions, while not intended to be exhaustive, are indicative of the University’s offering of pre-professional preparations.
Pre-Dentistry
Assistant Professor Mullican, Advisor
Assistant Professor Wagner, Advisor
Students preparing to enter dental college should consult the catalog of the
school they plan to enter. In general, the program for the pre-dental student
is the same as that for pre-medical students.
Pre-Engineering
Lecturer Mazachek, Coordinator
The student desiring to pursue a degree in engineering can complete most of
the course of study common to the first and second years at the majority of
recognized schools of engineering. Particular attention is directed to course
work in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and writing and speaking skills. Washburn
has a 3-2 program in cooperation with the University of Kansas and Kansas State
University. This allows the student to earn two B.S. degrees: the first a Washburn
and the second, a B.S. in Engineering, from either of the other universities.
For details about this program, see Engineering in the index. A suggested schedule
for pre-engineering and the content of engineering courses may be found under
the engineering section of the College of Arts and Sciences catalog.
Pre-Law
Professor Cann, Advisor & Coordinator
The student preparing to enter Washburn School of Law or any quality school
of law should seek a broad undergraduate education which should include courses
in English, economics, history, political science, philosophy, and sociology.
Basic courses in economics and accounting are desirable. Courses which develop
the ability to write and speak clearly and correctly, as well as those courses
which will help to attain exactness of thought and the ability to make valid
analytical comparisons and differentiations, are desirable. Familiarity with
American and English history and the government of those countries is necessary
in a proper background for the study of law. The student interested in pre-legal
education should seek the advice of a pre-law advisor early in his/her college
career. Pre-law advisors may be found in a number of departments including Political
Science, History, Criminal Justice, Philosophy, Psychology, English, Communication,
Mass Media, and the School of Business. You should begin preparing for the LSAT
at the start of your college career. For pre-law related activities, pick up
a pre-law brochure in the Admissions office.
Pre-Medicine
Assistant Professor Mullican, Biology Advisor
Associate Professor Leung, Chemistry Advisor
Most medical schools prefer a four-year degree preparation with strong foundations
in chemistry, biology, physics, and English. The Medical College Admission Test
is required and the pre-medical student is urged to consult a chosen medical
school before the junior year in college. The exact course of study applicable
to any student’s background can only be established in consultation with
the pre-medicine advisor.
Pre-Nursing
Dean Hornberger
Ms. Allen, R.N., Advisor
Washburn University offers the four-year baccalaureate program in Nursing and
pre-nursing course requirements for students preparing to enter the Nursing
Major. The Bachelor of Science degree prepares the graduate to write the national
licensure exam (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse.
Pre-nursing students interested in the Washburn Bachelor of Science Degree in
nursing should seek academic advisement in the School of Nursing (Petro Allied
Health Center, Rm 203).
Pre-Pharmacy
Associate Professor Leung, Advisor
Most students in the pre-pharmacy program transfer to the School of Pharmacy
at the University of Kansas, which requires about 68 hours (approximately two
years) of college level pre-professional studies prior to admission to the professional
program. The exact course of study applicable to any student’s background
can only be established in consultation with the pre-pharmacy advisor.
Pre-Theology
Professor Crawford, Advisor
The Philosophy Department recommends that pre-theology students complete a broad
course of study, including work in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural
Sciences and in Creative and Performing Arts. The Philosophy Department offers
courses in Religion and is happy to assist students in planning pre-seminary
majors in either Religious Studies or Philosophy.
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Professor Boyd, Advisor
Most state schools of veterinary medicine have preferred admission of residents
of that state, and certain numbers of applicants from cooperating states lacking
veterinary schools. Private schools accept applications from all qualified students.
Kansas residents would ordinarily apply to the Kansas State University School
of Veterinary Medicine. All of the required Pre-Veterinary courses can be taken
at Washburn. Practical experience with animals, especially in a veterinary context,
is important in making successful application. Program details are available
from the pre-veterinary advisor.
Dr. Cheryl Childers, Director
Washburn University and the Brown Foundation for Educational Equity, Excellence, and Research have created the Washburn Center for Diversity Studies. The Center, working out of the College of Arts and Sciences, pursues the shared values of the Brown Foundation and the university. The Center Fellows share a commitment to educational excellence, to recognizing diversity in an open society, to supporting educational equality, to improved relations among diverse groups, and to our shared heritage in Topeka and Shawnee County.
Goals and objectives
Students interested in diversity issues are encouraged to enroll in courses which contain a significant component dealing with diversity. Explore campus activities dealing with diversity by checking with the Multicultural Affairs Office.
PEACE, JUSTICE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION STUDIES
Peace Studies is an interdisciplinary program of study, building on existing
course offerings in a range of departments, that incorporates both international
peace and justice issues and, through internship opportunities with community-based
agencies, local dimensions of conflict resolution.
Students who are interested in this optional minor should refer to the College
of Arts and Sciences section of the catalog. This program is administered by
the College of Arts and Sciences.
To obtain the Optional Minor in Women’s Studies, a student must complete at least 15 hours of designated Women’s Studies course work, with at least 6 of the hours at the upper division level. The Minor will be supervised by a Women’s Studies Minor Committee, under the coordination of the CAS Dean’s Office. This program is administered by the College of Arts and Sciences.
JOINT CENTER ON VIOLENCE AND VICTIM STUDIES
Website: www.washburn.edu/ce/jcvvs
Benton Hall, Room 407B
(785) 231-1399
(800) 910-4308
Thomas Underwood Ph.D., Executive Director
The Joint Center on Violence and Victim Studies is a partnership between Washburn University and California State University at Fresno that serves three functions. First, it offers professional education and consultation on the multi-faceted and complex aspects of violence and victimization, and the delivery of services to address those issues. Second, the Center is engaged in various projects and activities that promote the exploration of the various and complex issues of violence, the delivery of services to victims, and the advocacy of policies that support the prevention and effective intervention of crime, violence, and social injustice. Third, the academic programs of both institutions are supported by the Center by providing assistance in coordination and promotion of the academic programs.
DIVISION OF CONTINUING EDUCATION
Website: www.washburn.edu/ce
Benton Hall, Suite 408
(785) 231-1399
Tim Peterson, Ph.D., Dean
Thomas Underwood, Ph.D., Asst. Dean/Exec. Director, Joint Center on Violence
and Victim Studies
Mary Kopp, M.N., R.N., Program Coordinator
Dan Schmidt, M.B.A., Program Coordinator
The mission of the Division of Continuing Education is to extend the resources
of Washburn University to the larger community. The Division offers training
and education programs that meet the professional needs of individuals, corporations,
government agencies, and members of professional, nonprofit and community organizations
in Topeka, Shawnee County, and Kansas and beyond.
Through certificate programs in business management, computer training, criminal
justice, victim services, and other areas, adult participants are able to enhance
specific job skills. Seminars for nurses, social workers, psychologists, and
other professionals are also offered. The Division responds to specific continuing
education requests through contract training programs.
Approximately 200 non-credit courses, seminars, institutes and conferences are
offered through the Division to nearly 2,500 people each year. Programs are
offered during the day, evening, and on weekends, at off-campus-sites, and through
the use of technology to enhance the learning process. These programs are designed
primarily to increase participants’ professional development and career
advancement.
The Division also coordinates the University’s academic off-campus, distance
education, and summer school programs. For more information or to receive brochures
on specific programs, contact the Division at (785) 231-1399 or visit the website.
COURSES ON EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION
The University offers courses for college credit on television, through the broadcast facilities of KTWU-CH 11, in Topeka; Washburn University Cable Television-WUCT-CH 13 on Cox Communication Cable and by using videocassettes, available in Mabee Library. Television instruction is supplemented by on-campus sessions; which include an orientation, reviews, and/or exams with a Washburn instructor.
2+2 PLAN BACHELOR DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAMS
Website: www.washburn.edu/PLAN
The Partnership for Learning and Networking (PLAN) is a collaborative set of
2+2 baccalaureate degree completion programs developed by Washburn University
to expand access to higher education throughout Kansas.
The programs offered through PLAN allow students to complete an associate degree
at any of the 14 partner community colleges around the state and then a bachelor's
degree from Washburn University in another two years without traveling to Topeka
for classes.
The programs include the Bachelor of Health Science, the Bachelor of Integrated Studies, the Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Services, the Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology Administration, the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. These programs are delivered via the Internet, interactive television (ITV), or through a combination of delivery systems. The requirements are the same as those for campus students.
For more information about the 2+2 PLAN degree programs contact the Washburn University Admissions office at (800) 332-0291, or visit the program web site listed above.
EVENING AND WEEKEND CLASSES
Courses offered during late afternoon, evening and weekend hours compose a significant part of the University academic and continuing education program. Classes are organized to serve working adult members of the community as well as full-time students of the University.
Students enrolling in these classes can begin a college education, continue their education on a college level, improve occupational knowledge and skills, study for personal enrichment, or pursue avocational interests. Experienced teachers have the opportunity to pursue the master’s degree through courses scheduled in the Graduate Education Program.
The College of Arts & Sciences offers a Master of Liberal Studies, designed to foster an integrative critical perspective. The School of Business Master of Business Administration program provides students the opportunity to continue their business education. The Department of Psychology also offers graduate courses leading to a Master of Arts degree with an emphasis in clinical skills. The Department of Social Work offers a Master's in Social Work degree with a focus on clinical practice. The Criminal Justice Department offers a Master’s of Criminal Justice degree with majors in either Law Enforcement or Corrections.
In addition to offering a broad range of academic courses which lead ultimately to certificates, associate degrees, or the baccalaureate degrees and master’s degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Applied Studies, Continuing Education, and the School of Business, the University recognizes the responsibility to develop other instructional programs in areas where community needs are identified and the University has resources to respond to those needs.
The Academic and Community Events Scheduling Office annually publishes three class schedules. Evening and weekend courses are easily recognized as they are shaded. Printed Schedules are available in the main lobby of Morgan Hall; the semester schedule is also available on Washburn University's homepage at www.washburn.edu. Click on Calendars/Schedules, then on Current Class Schedules.
THE SUMMER SESSION
As the University continues to broaden the scope of its educational activities, the academic life of an increasing number of students extends into the summer months. The Washburn Summer Session includes day and evening classes, several intensive workshops and seminars, television courses, special summer institutes, short-term foreign language workshops, and sports and music camps.
The diverse summer program is planned for students who wish to begin their college study, for those who wish to continue their regular academic programs, for middle and high school youth who wish to pursue special interests, and for adults who wish to pursue studies on a professional level or for individual self-improvement.