Future EdCats Summit: Learning to teach the K-State Way!
The Future EdCats Summit is a 4-day, 3-night immersive camp experience designed for high school students interested in becoming educators. Hosted at the Kansas State University Manhattan campus, this summit will introduce you to the world of teaching and allow you to explore K-State’s College of Education. Students will also be fully immersed in K-State's rich traditions and vibrant campus culture. From participating in campus activities to experiencing the daily life of K-State students, they will gain a firsthand sense of what it means to be a part of the K-State community. During your stay, you’ll engage in hands-on activities, learn how to pursue a rewarding career in education, and how to teach the K-State way!
Event Dates: July 26 - July 29
Registration is now open:
Registration includes:
- Sunday Dinner
- Monday and Tuesday breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Wednesday breakfast
- Classes & activities throughout the entire event
- One residence hall suite for three nights
Sunday, July 26
1:00–2:00 PM | Check-In, Games & Welcome
- Location: Ford Hall Lobby
- Camp counselors and College of Education staff greet students.
2:00–3:00 PM | Welcome & Project Introduction
- Location: Bluemont Hall
- Overview of Future EdCats Summit goals
- Technology introduction (Kyle)
- Introduction to the Summit Project
- Assign groups
3:00–4:00 PM | Large Group Ice Breakers & Game Lab
- Location: Bluemont Hall (Large Lecture Space)
4:00–5:00 PM | Campus Scavenger Hunt
- Location: Campus
- Students meet their camp groups and counselors.
-
Finish at Bluemont Hall for Pizza.
5:00–5:45 PM | Dinner
- Location: Bluemont Hall
- Toppers Pizza
6:00–8:00 PM | Bowling
- Location: K-State Student Union Bowling Center
8:00–9:00 PM | Driving to Top of the World
-
Location: Top of the World
-
Hill in Manhattan.
9:00–10:00 PM | Free Time
- Location: Ford Hall
10:00 PM | Lights Out
Monday, July 27
7:30–8:15 AM | Breakfast
-
Location: Derby Dining Center
8:30–9:45 AM | Community Activity
- Location: Holen Courtyard / Off-Campus Walk
- Manhattan Hill Walk or Sweet Treats Social
-
Oakley therapy dog is reserved during this time.
10:00–11:00 AM | Class 1: How Learning Works
- Location: Bluemont Hall
- Core Question: What do teachers do to make learning effective?
- Faculty: Alberto & Eileen Wertzberger
11:00 AM–12:00 PM | Project Launch & Reflection Time
- Location: Bluemont Hall
- Small group discussion and project brainstorming.
12:00–1:00 PM | Lunch
- Location: Dining Center
1:00–2:00 PM | Class 2: Learning Environments
-
Location: Bluemont Hall
- Core Question: How does the surrounding environment affect learning?
- Faculty: Mark Ellner & Kaylee Myers
2:15–3:30 PM | Official Campus Tour
- Location: K-State Student Union
3:45–4:45 PM | Class 3: Being an Engaging Teacher
- Location: Bluemont Hall 343
- Core Question: How do teachers keep students engaged?
- Faculty: Tracey & Angie
5:00–6:00 PM | Dinner
-
Location: Derby Dining Center
6:15–8:00 PM | Recreation Night
- Location: Student Recreation Center
8:00–10:00 PM | Game Night / Community Time
- Location: Ford Hall
10:00 PM | Lights Out
Tuesday, July 28
7:30–8:30 AM | Breakfast
-
Location: Derby Dining Center
8:45–9:45 AM | Class 4: Reflection & Growth
- Location: Bluemont Hall 341
- Core Question: How do educators stay relevant through reflection?
- Faculty: Ambyr Rios & Amanda Lickteig
10:15–11:45 AM | Field Experience
- Location: Sunset Zoo & Wonder Workshop
12:00–1:00 PM | Lunch
-
Location: Derby Dining Center
1:15–2:45 PM | Athletics Facilities Tour
- Location: K-State Athletics Facilities
-
Tour of West Stadium Center, Morgan Family Arena, Bramlage Coliseum, and Shamrock Zone
2:45–3:30 PM | College 101
- Location: Bluemont Hall
- Faculty: Barbara & Lindsey
- Kyle will pull students during this time to interview them about their experience.
3:30–4:45 PM | Project Work Time
- Location: Bluemont Hall
- Students finalize and record their summit projects.
5:00–5:45 PM | Dinner
-
Location: Derby Dining Center
6:00–9:00 PM | Free Time / Optional Manhattan Walk
- Optional activities:
- Manhattan Hill
- Insomnia Cookies
9:00–10:00 PM | Project Submission Deadline
10:00 PM | Lights Out
Wednesday, July 29
7:30–8:30 AM | Breakfast
-
Location: Derby Dining Center
8:45–9:45 AM | Project Practice & Final Preparation
- Location: Cottonwood
8:45–9:45 AM | Parent Meeting
- Location: Big 12
- Staff: Kevin Cook & Marcus
10:00–11:00 AM | Closing Session & Future EdCats Showcase
- Location: Bluemont Room in the Union
- Student Project Presentations & Celebration
Sunday, July 26
1:00–2:00 PM | Check-In, Games & Welcome
- Location: Ford Hall Lobby
- Camp counselors and College of Education staff greet students.
2:00–3:00 PM | Welcome & Project Introduction
- Location: Bluemont Hall
- Overview of Future EdCats Summit goals
- Technology introduction (Kyle)
- Introduction to the Summit Project
- Assign groups
3:00–4:00 PM | Large Group Ice Breakers & Game Lab
- Location: Bluemont Hall (Large Lecture Space)
4:00–5:00 PM | Campus Scavenger Hunt
- Location: Campus
- Students meet their camp groups and counselors.
- Finish at Bluemont Hall for Pizza.
5:00–5:45 PM | Dinner
- Location: Bluemont Hall
- Toppers Pizza
6:00–8:00 PM | Bowling
- Location: K-State Student Union Bowling Center
8:00–9:00 PM | Driving to Top of the World
- Location: Top of the World
- Hill in Manhattan.
9:00–10:00 PM | Free Time
- Location: Ford Hall
10:00 PM | Lights Out
Monday, July 27
7:30–8:15 AM | Breakfast
- Location: Derby Dining Center
8:30–9:45 AM | Community Activity
- Location: Holen Courtyard / Off-Campus Walk
- Manhattan Hill Walk or Sweet Treats Social
- Oakley therapy dog is reserved during this time.
10:00–11:00 AM | Class 1: How Learning Works
- Location: Bluemont Hall
- Core Question: What do teachers do to make learning effective?
- Faculty: Alberto & Eileen Wertzberger
11:00 AM–12:00 PM | Project Launch & Reflection Time
- Location: Bluemont Hall
- Small group discussion and project brainstorming.
12:00–1:00 PM | Lunch
- Location: Dining Center
1:00–2:00 PM | Class 2: Learning Environments
- Location: Bluemont Hall
- Core Question: How does the surrounding environment affect learning?
- Faculty: Mark Ellner & Kaylee Myers
2:15–3:30 PM | Official Campus Tour
- Location: K-State Student Union
3:45–4:45 PM | Class 3: Being an Engaging Teacher
- Location: Bluemont Hall 343
- Core Question: How do teachers keep students engaged?
- Faculty: Tracey & Angie
5:00–6:00 PM | Dinner
- Location: Derby Dining Center
6:15–8:00 PM | Recreation Night
- Location: Student Recreation Center
8:00–10:00 PM | Game Night / Community Time
- Location: Ford Hall
10:00 PM | Lights Out
Tuesday, July 28
7:30–8:30 AM | Breakfast
- Location: Derby Dining Center
8:45–9:45 AM | Class 4: Reflection & Growth
- Location: Bluemont Hall 341
- Core Question: How do educators stay relevant through reflection?
- Faculty: Ambyr Rios & Amanda Lickteig
10:15–11:45 AM | Field Experience
- Location: Sunset Zoo & Wonder Workshop
12:00–1:00 PM | Lunch
- Location: Derby Dining Center
1:15–2:45 PM | Athletics Facilities Tour
- Location: K-State Athletics Facilities
- Tour of West Stadium Center, Morgan Family Arena, Bramlage Coliseum, and Shamrock Zone
2:45–3:30 PM | College 101
- Location: Bluemont Hall
- Faculty: Barbara & Lindsey
- Kyle will pull students during this time to interview them about their experience.
3:30–4:45 PM | Project Work Time
- Location: Bluemont Hall
- Students finalize and record their summit projects.
5:00–5:45 PM | Dinner
- Location: Derby Dining Center
6:00–9:00 PM | Free Time / Optional Manhattan Walk
- Optional activities:
- Manhattan Hill
- Insomnia Cookies
9:00–10:00 PM | Project Submission Deadline
10:00 PM | Lights Out
Wednesday, July 29
7:30–8:30 AM | Breakfast
- Location: Derby Dining Center
8:45–9:45 AM | Project Practice & Final Preparation
- Location: Cottonwood
8:45–9:45 AM | Parent Meeting
- Location: Big 12
- Staff: Kevin Cook & Marcus
10:00–11:00 AM | Closing Session & Future EdCats Showcase
- Location: Bluemont Room in the Union
- Student Project Presentations & Celebration
Why Attend?
The Future EdCats Summit offers high school students the chance to:
- Explore the K-State Manhattan campus, visit the College of Education, and explore the facilities available to future educators.
- Engage in activities led by K-State faculty and staff to learn effective teaching strategies and the tools needed to be a successful educator.
- Gain insight into career opportunities available in education, from teaching to administration, counseling, and more.
- Meet like-minded peers who share your passion for education, and network with K-State educators and professionals in the field.
Who can attend?
This summit is ideal for students who:
- Students graduating in 2027 or 2028 are eligible to attend.
- Are passionate about education and interested in teaching as a career
- Want to explore various educational fields, including teaching, counseling, and administration.
- Are ready to dive into an exciting hands-on learning experience at K-State!
How to attend:
1. Submit an application along with short essay responses.
2. Wait for confirmation regarding your acceptance into the camp.
3. If accepted, you will be sent the next steps via email regarding your attendance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please email us at edcats@ksu.edu with any questions.

Questions?
Assistant Director of Enrollment Management and Institutional Partnerships