DiscoverU
A pre-college experience where you can explore one of three college/career program tracks. You will dive into hands-on learning led by expert instructors, gain valuable insights into different career paths, and build connections with like-minded peers. During DiscoverU, you will begin the journey to your future and take your first step towards college success!
Information for DiscoverU - Summer 2026 will be available in the fall.
If you would like to be included on a contact list for more information, please email communityeducation@stchas.edu.
Education
Field to Table
Health Professions
DiscoverU is open to students ages 13-18 and who have an interest in one of the program tracks - Education, Field toTable (Agriculture and Culinary), or Health Professions. See below for specific information regarding each of the program tracks.
Tuition: $429, Early Bird rate of $379 if registered by April 1 ($50 discount will be applied at checkout during registration)
Scholarships: A limited number of partial scholarships are available. Contact Amy Scheers, Â鶹´«Ã½ Director of Community Education for more information.
Location: All programs are held on the Â鶹´«Ã½ Dardenne Creek campus.
Are you a future educator ready to make a lasting impact in the classroom? Our Pre-College Summer Program is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to become a dynamic teacher. Dive into exciting topics such as designing effective lesson plans, envisioning your dream classroom, understanding diverse learning styles, and mastering cultural competencies. Gain hands-on experience with integrating technology into the classroom and discover innovative classroom games to enhance student engagement. If you're thinking about making a difference in the classroom, this program will set the foundation for your teaching journey and ignite your passion for education!
Ready to explore the dynamic worlds of agriculture and culinary arts? Join us for the DiscoverU Field to Table Summer Program, where you'll immerse yourself in hands-on learning experiences that bridge the gap between farm and kitchen. In this exciting program, you'll explore career opportunities in both fields, harvest fresh crops from a Freight Farm, test soil, and delve into animal and livestock science, as well as discover the importance of ecology and managing invasive species. You will also learn the culinary secrets of seasonal ingredients, cultural dishes, diverse cooking techniques, and make some wonderful desserts. Whether you're passionate about sustainable farming or creating mouth-watering dishes, this program will cultivate your skills and passion for the future of food.
Calling all future healthcare heroes! Join our one-week summer immersion program designed for students aged 13-18 who are passionate about and eager to explore healthcare professions. Under the guidance of expert Occupational Therapy, Health Occupations, and Nursing faculty, you'll gain hands-on experience in critical skills like emergency first aid, CPR, vital sign measurement, medication understanding, sensory and accessibility assessments, and patient assessment techniques. This dynamic program offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into medical knowledge, develop practical skills, and get a comprehensive preview of healthcare career pathways - all while having an engaging and educational summer experience.
DiscoverU Faculty
Beth Bauer is Â鶹´«Ã½'s Nursing Academic Program Coordinator. She has been a nurse since 2004, holds a Master's in Nursing and certifications in professional development and simulation education. Her background with direct patient care has been critical care and cardiology. She has experience as a bedside inpatient nurse, outpatient nurse, staff development nurse educator, and academic educator.
Her passions in nursing education are around transition times for nurses - entering the nursing program, graduating from the nursing program, and entering the nursing workforce.
Dr. Joey Blackburn grew up on a livestock farm in rural Callaway County, MO and has been teaching others about agriculture for his entire professional career. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri and master’s degree from the University of Kentucky, both in Agricultural Education. He then taught high school in Marceline, MO before earning his PhD in Agricultural Education from Oklahoma State University.
From 2013 to 2023 he was a faculty member at Washington State University and Louisiana State University where he taught undergraduate and graduate courses focused on agriculture as well as the art and science of teaching. Dr. Blackburn came to St. Charles Community College in 2023 as the Academic Program Coordinator where he provides leadership to the program and teaches courses.
Dr. Blackburn resides on the family farm in Callaway County with his wife and three children and is continuing his family’s agricultural heritage by raising beef cattle.
Arje Crawford is Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s Health Occupations Academic Program Coordinator. She graduated from St. Louis University’s Accelerated Nursing Program in 2006, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, as well as a certification in forensic science. She has worked directly with patient care in the areas of labor and delivery, adult neur