Roo Honors Academy
Roo Honors Academy (RHA) 2025
RHA is June 9-13, 2025 and is open to 30 high school students in grades 9-12. RHA gives gifted students the opportunity to attend engaging classes taught by UMKC faculty.
Overview
Students who complete both courses will recieve a Recognition of Achievement from the Honors Program. Students will explore the UMKC experience by participating in several activities in addition to attending classes.
- Field trips
- Leadership workshop
- Admissions staff discussions
- UMKC Trustees Scholarship info sessions
Schedule
- Monday, June 9 — Friday, June 13
- 9 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
- Honors lounge will be open at 8 a.m. during the week for students who are dropped off before 9 a.m.
- Students will participate in a final showcase on Friday, June 13 at 5 p.m.
Cost
Tuition is $300, which includes daily lunch and an RHA t-shirt. Students need to provide their own transportation to and from campus. Students also have the option of spending the night in UMKC dorms for the week for an additional $350.
- There is a $40 fee to apply. If accepted, this will count towards your tuition. If denied, this will be refunded.
- Children of UMKC employees are eligible for a $20 discount on tuition, contact Mariah Ramos.
- Need-based scholarships may be available. Contact Mariah Ramos for more information.
Apply for Roo Honors Academy
2025 RHA applications are due May 15th, 2025.
2025 Course Offerings
Roo Honors Academy 2025 will offer non-credit classes on: storytelling, natural hazards, The Beatles and songwriting, and the culture of Disney.
Culture in the Magic Kingdom
In this course we will study culture by examining the Disney films Encanto, Moana, and Frozen 2. These three films introduce us to different cultures and cultural traditions. We will discover the cultures highlighted in Encanto and learn to make some traditional Colombian foods. We will explore Polynesian culture through the lens of Moana. And, we will learn about the Sámi, the indigenous group who collaborated with Disney in the making of Frozen 2.cated examination of sports culture with digital forms of media production to grow as intellectuals and writers.
Taught by Dr. Susie Donaldson
Narrative, a Force with Many Forms
Storytelling holds so many forms and functions. It can entertain, amuse, persuade, and inspire. It can deceive, enlighten, and horrify. It is a force with virtually unlimited forms. We'll spend the week interpreting, discussing, dissecting, and creating those forms to sharpen our skills as storytellers. Utilizing various media, we'll enhance our understanding of narrative and have a blast telling our own stories in surprising and affective ways.
Taught by Dr. Marcus Meade
Across the Universe: Exploring the Music and Impact of The Beatles
This course explores the Beatles' enduring legacy as the most influential rock band of all time. Known for revolutionizing songwriting and music production in the 1960s, the Beatles also became a cultural phenomenon, shaping global fashion, politics, art, and media. We'll study their career and music with a special emphasis on their songwriting (both music and lyrics) and ongoing impact on today’s musical landscape. Students will work with diverse resources, including text, video, and audio, culminating in a final songwriting project inspired by the week’s lessons to share with the class.
Taught by Dr. David Thurmaier
Measuring, Monitoring, and Mitigating Natural Hazards
Humans live where natural hazards occur and the way we build our cities can increase the risk of these hazards. Students will spend time learning about natural hazards, how we study them, and how we can use this to prepare for a resilient future. Projects will use real world data on Kansas City related hazards to build skills for research and connecting science and the intersection with humans and finding solutions.
Taught by Dr. Alison Gratettinger
Have Questions?
We have answers. Please contact us for more information.
Mariah Ramos Student Services Director Email: mariah.ramos@umkc.edu