Take a Deeper Dive

Kimball Union Academy's three Scholar Programs prepare students for lives of leadership in areas of critical importance to our world. Working closely with KUA faculty, students explore a passion or interest through a two-year course of study. Each program combines coursework, community service, and experiential learning that culminates in a Senior Capstone project.

Students don’t need to pursue a future major or career in their program area to benefit from a Scholar Program experience. They graduate with problem-solving skills, creativity, critical thinking, and initiative – essential skills for college and the future of work. Students may apply to a Scholar Program in the spring of their sophomore year and new juniors may apply at the start of their first year.

STEM Scholar Program

If you’re interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), you can tackle real-world challenges through the STEM Scholar Program. The program is structured in three key areas: academic, experiential, and application. Traditional coursework is paired with academic exploration through research and lab work. You’ll also participate in substantive fieldwork through internships and research programs, an honors course in design thinking, as well as STEM-related lectures and events, which all culminate in a Senior Capstone project.

Recent Senior Capstones:

List of 4 items.

  • Thermochemical Analysis of EDTA Chelates with Macro and Micro Nutrient Used in Hydroponic and Aquaponic Systems

  • Investigating Effects of Stress on Astrogliosis in the Mouse Orbitofrontal Cortex

  • The Role of the Development of Fine Motor Skills in Surgical Practice

  • The Development and Use of Ethical Artificial Intelligence

STEM Scholar Directors

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of Elysia Burroughs

    Elysia Burroughs 

    Science Department Chair
  • Photo of Ryan McKeon

    Ryan McKeon Ph.D. 

    STEM Director and Computer Science Teacher
    Bio

Global Scholar Directors

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of Renee Lewis

    Renee Lewis 

    Art Teacher, Associate Director of Admission
    603-469-2103
  • Photo of Alexis Liston

    Ms. Alexis Liston 

    Dean of Community Life
    603-469-2072

Global Scholar Program

In an increasingly globalized world, you can become an active citizen of our global community through the Global Scholar Program. You’ll develop an understanding of the economic, political, cultural, and social issues facing our world.  

The program is structured in three key areas: academic, experiential, and application. Students admitted into the program maintain a rigorous academic course load with an emphasis on courses international in nature. Instruction in language will round out your academic experience. 

Coursework is brought to life through travel, experiences, and immersion in our global society. Scholars benefit from KUA’s participation in the Global Alliance for Innovative Learning, which offers exchanges and conferences for students in eight countries. Through active participation in events on and off-campus, Global Scholars develop communication skills and present their findings through a culminating Senior Capstone project.

Recent Senior Capstones:

List of 4 items.

  • Behind the Great Firewall: Chinese Internet Censorship

    An essay and workshop for students and faculty
  • Global Water Crisis: Changing the Mindset about Water

    An essay and community event raising awareness 
  • Significance of African Dance in Dance Today

    An essay and online workshop about the history of Ugandan dance including a dance lesson
  • Pollinators & Their Habitat at Kimball Union Academy and Around the Globe

    An essay and the creation of a pollinators garden at KUA

Arts Scholar Program

Do you enjoy learning through the creation and exploration of art? As an Arts Scholar, you’ll navigate a unique path that will enrich your education, give you the tools and creative voice to ask difficult questions and solve complex problems. Through coursework, special arts seminars, and independent study, the Arts Scholar Program develops curious learners who engage the world with their own fresh and original perspectives.

The Art Scholar Program is structured to ground students in five areas: theory of art, creation/experience, community service, leadership, and appreciation. Arts Scholars present their work through a culminating Senior Capstone project.

Recent Senior Capstones:

List of 4 items.

  • We the Unheard

    A multi-media art installation
  • Memory Walks

    A musical-theater review
  • Taboo Beauty

    Oil paintings
  • Lanterns

Arts Scholar Directors

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of Jennifer Blue

    Ms. Jennifer Blue 

    English Department Chair
  • Photo of Dustin Meltzer

    Mr. Dustin Meltzer 

    Visual Arts and Learning Center Teacher
    603-469-2331