SPAN: About the Program
SPAN (Special Programs for Academic Nurturing) was established at IUPUI in 1984 to let academically motivated students take college classes. While this program is aimed at high school students, younger students have qualified and excelled in this program as well. SPAN offers many opportunities that can be configured many ways. It permits motivated high school students to get started on their college education or just take courses that are not available at their local high school. Perhaps the high school student would like to take a college class during IUPUI's summer school. Maybe the student would like to attend half a day at their high school and a half day at IUPUI. Or maybe the high schooler is ready for the challenge of full-time college classes. Qualified students can design a program at IUPUI to fit their needs.
The SPAN early college experience has three programs available for high school students to take college courses: the Running Start Program, the UpperClass Program, and the CyberTEENs Program.
RUNNING START
The Running Start Program is designed for high school students entering their freshman and sophomore year. Also, juniors and seniors who do not qualify for the UpperClass Program may be eligible to participate in SPAN through Running Start. Running Start students may choose from a list of specially selected IUPUI courses. Not all of these courses will count toward college credit since some are basic skills college classes.
UPPERCLASS
The UpperClass Program is designed specifically for students entering their junior and senior year and for successful Running Start students. These students are eligible to take ANY 100- or 200-level college course at IUPUI and even higher levels of math and foreign language! A sample list of classes can be seen under Course Information.
CYBERTEENS
The CyberTEENs Program provides the opportunity for technologically gifted high school students to enroll in computer science and computer technology courses and programs offered through the Purdue School of Science on the IUPUI campus.
TUITION
SPAN students pay regular IUPUI tuition and fees. For more details visit: http://www.bursar.iupui.edu
Please note that before a student has earned a high school diploma, they are ineligible for traditional scholarships, grants, and even student loans. However, there may be some additional sources of funding available for high school students with financial need. For details, contact Marsha Baker or Dr. J. R. Russell in the SPAN Division office at 317-274-0382 or via e-mail at ucspan@iupui.edu.
