The NKU P-12 Pathway Programs Hub is a central office for providing P-12 programs to the Greater Cincinnati region. We introduce P-12 students to opportunities in higher education, emphasizing NKU, through a variety of programs at every age level. We also help NKU faculty connect with the community by providing opportunities to participate in existing activities and providing assistance in developing new programs.
Northern Kentucky University’s NEXT is a trailblazing program designed for high potential youth in grades K-6 to discover and explore advanced content and engaged learning. All classes provide the opportunity for students to share interests with other children while exploring pathways to intellectual development, academic enhancement, career exploration, and creative artistic fulfillment. NKU NEXT offers transdisciplinary courses infusing entrepreneurship, science, mathematics, social studies, technology, visual and performing arts, and original interdisciplinary studies. Only $40 per Saturday morning session and includes programming for parents and younger children while your child is engaged in the classes.
Target Audience: Grades K-5
Duration: 2 hours
Focus Areas: Gifted & talented
In collaboration with the Center for Simulation Education and the College of Health and Human Services, the Institute for Health Innovation has launched an AHA (American Heart Association) CPR, AED, and First Aid certification course program.
This project increases the number of Kentucky high school students and school staff certified in CPR and increases the survival rates for people suffering from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in our community. Limited to 48 students per session.
For more information email noec2@nku.edu
Target Audience: Grades 9-12
Duration: 2 hours
Group Maximum: 24; can host up to 48 over a 4 hour schedule
Focus Areas: STEM, Health
Explore a variety of in-demand careers and tour NKU on an 8th grade field trip. Transportation and lunch included.
For more information email noec2@nku.edu
Target Audience: Grade 8
Duration: 3 hours
Group Maximum: 60
Focus Areas: Career exploration
High school students participate a day exploring the range of health careers and a hands-on experience in the Cadaver Lab. In each experience, students rotate through sessions with different presenters discussing their careers and taking part in hands-on activities with our retired ER doctor.
The program is limited to 60 students. The visit is typically 9:30 am – 1:00 pm with rotations from 10 am – 12 pm. Schools may bring their own lunches or purchase lunches on campus and will be provided a list of options for lunch.
Teachers are expected to bring gloves for all students. Students are expected to respect and have sensitivity toward cadavers and mannikins. We expect professional behavior from all who enter the lab. Cadavers are obtained via the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Body Donation Program. They are to be treated with the utmost respect. Inappropriate or improper behavior and or comments within and outside the laboratory/prosectorium are unacceptable.
For more information email turnerd17@nku.edu.
Target Audience: Grades 9-12
Duration: 3.5 hours
Group Maximum: 60
Focus Areas: STEM, Health
Looking for Simulation Center field trips? Contact Maureen Krebs at krebsm3@nku.edu
The College Café program by Northern Kentucky University focuses on preparing middle and high school students for postsecondary education. The café program works with middle and high schools around the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region to introduce students to university faculty and support staff with the goal of increasing their interest in postsecondary education. At each location, a core group of Youth Leaders, with the committed mentorship of an adult, plan and run the café themselves.
The program is guided by an NKU staff member who assists the local adults and students in connecting with NKU presenters and structuring their event. We work with the presenters to ensure they have a compelling presentation for a high school audience and to develop a hands-on activity.
Target Audience: Grades 6-12
Duration: 1.5 hours
Group Maximum: 60
Focus Areas: College readiness, Subjects customizable
For more information email turnerd17@nku.edu.
Get ready for an action-packed summer of discovery at NKU! Our day camps for elementary students offer an exciting chance to meet new friends from across the Tri-state area while diving into the world of future health careers.
Campers will explore various fields through hands-on sessions with real professionals and get an exclusive taste of life on a college campus. From interactive workshops to fun-filled activities, students will not only learn about the healthcare industry but also experience what it's like to be a college student—igniting their curiosity and sparking dreams for the future!
Camp enrollment starts on February 1. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications for camp registration.
Target Audience: Grades 4-6
Duration: Weekly over summer
Group Maximum: 24
Focus Areas: Varies
Are you looking for high-quality, curriculum-aligned materials that will save you time and enhance your classroom? NKU’s Discovery Kit program is here to help! Developed by university faculty, these kits provide lesson plans, hands-on resources, and supplies designed to meet KY Academic Standards while reducing your out-of-pocket costs—so you can focus on what really matters: delivering engaging and effective lessons.
Why join the program?
Currently available kits:
If you have any questions, please contact us at ihiprograms@nku.edu
Target Audience: Grades K-5
Duration: One class session
Group Maximum: 20 (can order multiple copies for more students)
Focus Areas: Varies
Northern Kentucky University
Nunn Drive
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Local: +1 (859) 572-5100
Office Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. in HIC 225
