The program is designed to introduce minority and disadvantaged eighth and ninth graders from Western North Carolina to the exciting opportunities in health careers. The program brings rising juniors and seniors together in residential settings for four weeks of intensive study. SVSM supplements high school and university courses, taking students beyond the traditional boundaries of high school science and mathematics. Each summer, the Department of Health and Human Performance in cooperation with the Division of Continuing Education and Summer School sponsor a Tiny Tot Swim. The Youth Swim Program is designed for children ages six years and older.
Classes range from primary skills to stroke development and refinement.
Two sessions are held each summer with an exceptional swim class held during the second session. At the completion of each of these courses, an American Red Cross certification card is given to each child. The Mountain Heritage Center hosts summer camps sponsored in part by the Jackson County Arts Council with the assistance of Western Carolina University's Division of Continuing Education. The camps take place at the Mountain Heritage Center on the WCU campus. The program explores the heritage of southern Appalachia beginning with the Native Americans and continuing through the pioneer experience.