Program Overview

Summer Immersion Program

The Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program is a hands-on learning experience offered on-campus and online. High school students dive deep into a field of study with access to world-class faculty, researchers, and industry professionals.

Health and Exercise Science Institute

Overview

The Health and Exercise Science Institute provides students with hands-on experience in the health and exercise science field and insight into the many career opportunities available in the different disciplines of exercise science. Students will learn from Wake Forest faculty about the different systems in the body, practice using technology for health procedures like blood pressure and electromyography (EMG), and tour on and off-campus facilities dedicated to health and fitness.

At a Glance

• 2026 Dates: Week of June 7-12 and week of July 12-17
• Program Length: Sunday Friday, overnight
• Who Can Apply?: Current 9th 12th grade students
• Tuition: $3,500
• Location: Winston-Salem, NC Wake Forest University Reynolda Campus

Topics Covered

• Cardiovascular/Pulmonary Anatomy and Health
• Careers in Health and Exercise Science
• Muscle Function
• Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
• Strength Conditioning and Sports Nutrition

Hands-On Experiences

• Heart rate and blood pressure lab
• Muscle function testing
• Pulmonary testing
• Strength and fitness conditioning
• Cardio-Respiratory evaluation

A Day in the Life

A sample schedule for the program includes:

• 8:00 am Morning Meeting and Breakfast
• 9:00 am Welcome from Dr. Eaves and Program Ambassadors
• 9:30 am Pulmonary Function Testing
• 10:30 am Measuring PFTs
• 12:00 pm Lunch
• 1:00 pm Tour of Strength and Conditioning Center at WFU Football Center
• 3:00 pm Strength and Agility Tests/Drills with WFU Director of Sports Performance
• 5:00 pm Debrief of the Day
• 5:30 pm Dinner
• 6:30 pm Evening Activities
• 7:30 pm Free Time
• 9:00 pm Prepare for Bed
• 10:30 pm Lights Out

Meet the Academic Leader

Ted Eaves, EdD, LAT, ATC, CSCS

Dr. Eaves received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the College of William & Mary. He then earned his Master of Science from Michigan State University and his Doctorate in Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Dr. Eaves teaches Biomechanics of Human Movement and Human Anatomy, as well as Human Physiology and Exercise Physiology at Wake Forest. Dr. Eaves has authored the textbook The Practical Guide to Athletic Training, and his research interests include the use of spit tobacco in high school baseball coaches.