KEEP and STEM Summer Experience

The KEEP and STEM summer experience introduces selected students to Kenyon before Fall Orientation by offering them an intensive academic program in the summer and by connecting them with supportive peers and mentors. 

Key Dates

• Arrival: June 21, 2026
• Departure: July 29, 2026

Scroll down for important resources, packing recommendations, information about living in Gambier, stipend and banking details, and a final reminder from Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chris Kennerly and Assistant Professor of Psychology and KEEP/STEM Summer Director Aashna Aggarwal.

Important Resources

First-Year Scholars

We are excited to welcome you to Kenyon College this summer. This site includes important information regarding travel arrangements, housing, meals, health services, accommodations, packing recommendations, summer storage, and other important details.

You have now been assigned a Kenyon email account, which will be our primary method of communication moving forward. Please check your Kenyon email regularly.

Travel Arrangements

Air Travel

All students traveling by air will arrive at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) and be picked up by a Kenyon shuttle driver in the baggage claim area. Prior to your departure, you will receive an additional email with detailed instructions regarding your shuttle transportation to campus.

Once flights are arranged from your preferred airport, a member of the ODEI team will contact you to confirm your itinerary before tickets are purchased. Please look for an email or phone call from the ODEI team around June 1 regarding your travel confirmation.

KEEP/STEM will reimburse students for:

• One checked bag each way (round trip)

• Standard airline baggage fees

Please make sure to:

• Check your airline’s baggage policies and fees in advance

• Keep all baggage fee receipts

• Submit receipts to the ODEI administrative assistant upon arrival for reimbursement

Travel by Car

Students traveling by car will receive mileage reimbursement at a rate of 72.5 cents per mile, up to 600 miles round trip. Reimbursement checks will be issued shortly after your arrival on campus.

Please note: students are not permitted to have vehicles on campus during the summer program.

If you plan to arrive before June 21, lodging is available at:

• The Kenyon Inn (on campus)

• Hampton Inn

• Holiday Inn Express

Both hotels are located approximately five miles from campus.

Summer Housing and Mail

All scholars will live in Old Kenyon Residence Hall. Room assignments will be made prior to your arrival on June 21.

Upon arrival, you will receive:

• A temporary room key

• Your Kenyon College student ID (K-Card)

• A summer programs access card for campus buildings

Meals

All meals will be provided through AVI Dining Services in Peirce Dining Hall.

Students will also enjoy occasional meals at outside restaurants during weekend excursions.

Student Accessibility & Support Services

If you have documented learning differences, physical disabilities, dietary restrictions or other accommodation needs, we will help connect you with the appropriate campus resources during your summer stay.

Julie Prince, interim director of Student Accessibility & Support Services, will be available throughout the summer to assist students with accommodations. You may contact her directly at prince1@kenyon.edu.

Please note:

• Accommodations cannot be provided without appropriate documentation.

• You are not required to share personal health information with KEEP/STEM staff beyond what is necessary for accommodations.

Health & Counseling Services

The Kenyon College Cox Health & Counseling Center is closed during the summer months.

Medical Care

For physical health concerns, students will use Knox Community Hospital Urgent Care.

Counseling Support

Jessica Singrey, a licensed counselor, will provide limited counseling services to KEEP/STEM scholars during the summer session.

Before arriving on campus, please complete:

• Counseling Consent Form

• Emergency Medical Consent Form

• Waiver of Liability Form

Materials Provided

Your summer programming coordinators, Mae Ling Gorin ’26 and Julius Thompson ’26, will have access to limited shared supplies for student use, including:

• Over-the-counter medications

• First aid supplies

• Toiletries

• Laundry detergent

• Miscellaneous personal items

The program will also provide:

• Admission fees and meals for all program-sponsored events and excursions

• Board games and recreational equipment

• Access to the Lowry Athletic Center (LAC)

• Textbooks and classroom materials

• Notebooks, pens, pencils and other academic supplies

Technology

KEEP Scholars: If you requested a laptop on your KEEP reply form, you will be loaned a laptop for the entire summer program.

STEM Scholars: All STEM Scholars will receive a summer laptop loan. At the end of the summer, we will assist you in purchasing a laptop using your program stipend.