No matter what the reason for attending a summer class, Simpson’s Evening Weekend and Graduate program (EWG) has a variety of summer courses designed to accelerate your education and fit into even the busiest summer schedule.

“The purpose of our summer program is to provide a full schedule of classes so that students can continue their education over the summer,” said Amy Day, Simpson College corporate relations specialist. “Our tag line has always been ‘Finish early, get ahead or catch up’ and our summer schedule is an opportunity to do all of those things.”

Most students returning to the Des Moines area during the summer can find EWG classes near their home or workplace. Simpson offers a variety of classes online and at their Ankeny, West Des Moines and Indianola campuses.

“We look at where the classes have been offered in the past and we try to rotate them among campuses so that no matter which campus is you prefer, you should be able to take most of the courses you need and want,” Day said.

The EWG’s schedule is also designed with the student’s extracurricular summer activities in mind. By offering classes during the evenings, weekends and online, students have the opportunity to build a summer schedule that fits their needs.

Senior Jessica Danowski attends summer classes at the West Des Moines campus while working full-time at Nationwide.

“It fits into my schedule and I don’t want to stop going over the summer and then have trouble getting back into the rhythm of going again in the fall,” Danowski said. “I usually take the summer classes on Saturdays so I don’t have to go [to class] during the week.”

Senior Chelsy Arnold, also finds the Simpson summer program fits into her busy schedule.

“In the summertime, because the classes are at night, you can get a job that you enjoy and will help your resume,” Arnold said. “During the regular school year you have less jobs to choose from because the jobs are mostly during the daytime.”

Even if you don’t live in the Des Moines or Indianola area but want to continue the Simpson education during the summer, the summer program has online courses. There are five online courses in the printed schedule but Simpson has already added more classes to satisfy demand.

“We are continuing to add online courses as we go,” Day said. “This year we have really made an increased effort to offer more online courses that are 100 percent online and require no face-to-face meeting time.”

To register for a summer class or to find a copy of the summer schedule, students can visit Simpson’s website at www.simpson.edu/summer. Summer sessions begin May 23 and July 7. Students are encouraged to register as soon as possible to secure their spot in class.