Last week, we welcomed our largest-ever class of Rebels to UNLV for the start of the fall semester. 

And though the campus is buzzing with energy for the start of a new academic year, it was anything but quiet this summer. UNLV welcomed thousands of students from K-12 and beyond to campus over the past few months to get a jumpstart on future careers – or a boost to current ones – through a number of workforce-focused camps and activities. 

The next generation of Nevada nurses and teachers from area high schools learned the ins and outs of in-demand careers through immersive experiences with practicing professionals; future scientists gained real-world lab experience in neurogenetics while networking with other young scholars; and STEM careers took center stage during popular cybersecurity and transportation camps, the latter of which turned dozens of teen drivers into champions for safety. 

And summer learning isn’t just for kids. In fact, local science teachers hit the books – and a few local environmental hot spots – to boost their knowledge of geologic history so they can strengthen their students' passion for science. 

I invite you to read about some of the many ways local students and teachers made the most of their summer vacation at UNLV. And I also encourage you to learn more about UNLV’s growing Young Rebels program, which streamlines access to dozens of career and college readiness activities for K-12 students offered all year long.

For everyone heading back to class this fall – and to those who support our students of all ages – here’s to a positive and productive school year ahead! 

Keith E. Whitfield, Ph.D.
UNLV President