BELMONT — High school students are invited to sign up for a week of learning, fellowship and fun this summer through the Schola Program at Belmont Abbey College.
Schola offers an opportunity for students to read classic works of literature and philosophy, take part in group discussions with faculty from Belmont Abbey’s Honors College, experience Charlotte’s culture and recreation and meet new people.
The theme for the July 6-12 program is “Wisdom and Foolishness.” It is open to in-state and out-of-state students who will have completed one year of high school by this summer.
Schola is designed to help participants nurture their faith by participating in the spiritual life of the college, including daily Mass, Adoration, prayer with the Benedictine monks from Belmont Abbey.
They will also participate in a variety of activities that recently have included rafting at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, hiking, talent shows and chances to explore the city of Charlotte.
“I think the best aspect of Schola was the people that I met and the kind of conversations I could have with them – people were really excited to learn and talk about what we were reading,” said previous participant Marino Alexander in a promotional video for the program. “Although it’s just a week, it feels like such a long time because it’s so full – it’s really something you’ll remember!”
Former participant Mary Amanda Weaver said the summer program made her “fall in love” with learning.
“Talking with my peers and the teachers about these texts, about the big questions in life, was so intellectually stimulating in a way that I had never experienced before,” she said.
The cost for the week-long session is $700, which includes room and board on campus, seminar sessions, and cultural and recreational activities.
To learn more, go to www.belmontabbeycollege.edu/academics/honors-college/schola-summer-program.
— Christina Lee Knauss