Course Offerings
2024 Summer Youth Academies
Registration begins March 1.
Recommended Academies for 7th – 10th Graders
Exciting opportunities for students to preview college, engage in hands-on academic and career exploration, and explore a variety of subjects through interactive projects and coaching.
CREATIVE WRITING: TELLING EXTRAORDINARY STORIES
July 15 – 19, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (In-person)
Students will create their own illustrative story, learn plot and story structure, build rich characters and explore the discipline of chunking – the art of incorporating daily writing. Students will also learn to edit by working collaboratively to peer critique each other’s work.
Cost: $330
Instructor: Matt Johnson
CRIME AND PUNISHMENT: THEORIES OF CRIME
July 22 – 26, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (In-person)
Have you ever wondered why some people commit crimes and others don’t? Gain an understanding of the causes of crime (related to biology, sociology, psychology, and social factors), be able to discuss the origins of modern criminology and make connections between theories of crime causation and programs/policies.
Cost: $330
Instructor: Daniel Templeton
DYNAMIC NATURE DRAWING
July 8 – 12, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (In-person)
Explore the world of outdoor drawing, from buildings to nature, on the beautiful Sacramento State campus. Students will create a personalized sketchbook around daily outdoor themes using various mediums to enhance their favorite sketches.
Cost: $330
Instructor: Sara Chacon Cardona
INTRODUCTION TO 3D PRINTING AND DESIGN
July 15 – 19, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (In-person)
This workshop will introduce participants to 3D modeling and additive fabrication for rapid prototyping. They will be able to access the Sacramento State maker space to build a 3D solution to a design challenge and take home their creation.
Cost: $330
Instructor: Preston Tobery
INTRODUCTION TO PYTHON PROGRAMMING
June 24 – 28, 1 – 5 p.m. (In-person)
Get a head start on a fascinating career in programming with a class in Python. Students will gain the skills to create desktop applications, websites, and web applications using Python and learn algorithmic thinking applications in other subjects such as science and math.
Cost: $330
Instructor: Gary Garot
INTRODUCTION TO VIDEO GAME DEVELOPMENT
June 24 – 28, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Online)
Explore the fundamentals of game theory, game platform, and genres. Students will design their own game using Stencil. This course will provide students with a knowledge of digital graphic design, project planning and analytical work.
Cost: $330
Instructor: Cheng-Chi Lee
PERFORMING ARTS: ACTING FOR STAGE & SCREEN
July 8 – 12, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (In-person)
Whether you are looking to become a professional actor or become more comfortable presenting in public, this course (taught by the Executive Director of the NorCal School of Arts) will give you the confidence and skills to make you a success in front of an audience!
Cost: $330
Instructor: Michele Hillien-Noufer
WEB DESIGN & WORDPRESS: DESIGNING YOUR OWN WEBSITE
July 8 – 12, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (In-person)
Have you ever wanted to create and design your own webpage? Participants will learn how to develop visually impressive websites using Wordpress and explore how to market websites with social media and search engine optimization (SEO).
Cost: $330
Instructor: Kirk McMorris
WRITING EFFECTIVE ARGUMENTS
July 22 – 26, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Online)
Through written and spoken practice, students learn to argue effectively using their voice. Students will learn to write clear and powerful arguments for school and beyond in various genres, including formal essays, letters, and poetry.
Cost: $330
Instructor: Sarah Hancock
YOUR FINANCIAL JOURNEY: A ROADMAP FOR FINANCIAL SUCCESS
June 24 – 28, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Online)
This course introduces students to financial concepts, tools, and the best practices for saving money to achieve short and long-term goals.
Cost: $205
Instructor: Manuel Morfin
Recommended Academies for 9th – 12th Graders
Exciting opportunities for students to preview college, engage in hands-on academic and career exploration, and explore a variety of subjects through interactive projects and coaching.
CAREER VISIONS ACADEMY
July 15 – 19, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (In-person)
This course will help students to clarify their core values, interests and strengths, and develop a fluid plan for assessing majors and career paths as well as common myth-busting around the links between careers and majors. Students will learn how to identify student internships or part-time entry level positions related to potential careers as well as how to network and connect to people in career fields of interest.
Cost: $330
Instructor: Jennie Chalios
CODING
July 29 – Aug. 2, 1 – 5 p.m. (In-person)
Learn the basics of computer coding and how professions – from information technology to science and the arts – value coding and computer science skills. Gain a solid understanding of how programming languages are used to build applications.
Cost: $330
Instructor: Devin Cook
CREATE AN ONLINE BUSINESS
July 8 – 12, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (In-person)
Creating and running a mock online business will teach students the unique opportunities and challenges in this field of entrepreneurship, as well as assisting them in developing analytical, project planning, problem solving, and presentation skills.
Cost: $330
Instructor: Cheng-Chi Lee
CREATIVE WRITING: ADVANCED STORYTELLING
July 22 – 26, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (In-person)
So, you want to write a story, eh? You come up with characters, conflict, and a setting. You type up a draft. You proofread it and clean up any spelling or grammar errors, and you bask in the satisfaction that comes with telling a complete story. But you are not done yet. Unless you’re a modern-day Ernest Hemmingway, your story will need revision, edits, and possibly even restructuring to be the best story it can possibly be.
Cost: $330
Instructor: Matt Johnson
CRITICAL THINKING: THINKING YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS
July 15 – 19, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (In-person)
Students will practice during the class, and they will learn tips, tricks, and exercises to take away and keep using. Students will learn new skills and have new ways to arrive at answers. They will learn how to analyze and evaluate. The skills learned in this course will transfer to all parts of life from reading and writing to conversations, college, and the workplace.
Cost: $330
Instructor: Sarah Hancock
CYBER SECURITY
June 24 – 28, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Online)
Explore the world of hackers, cyberattacks and online threats in a computer lab setting. Examine infamous security cases, gain hands-on lab experience and discover exciting careers in the field of cyber security. Students will need access to Windows 10 or newer OR macOS Ventura or newer.
Cost: $330
Instructor: Jun Dai
DATA SCIENCE
July 22 – 26, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Online)
Learn how your data is tracked. Find insights hidden in every day information, from the apps on your smartphone to your online purchases. Cleanse data, apply algorithms written in the computer language called R and learn visualization methods.
Cost: $330
Instructor: Ally Mahbobi
DIGITAL JOURNALISM STORYTELLING
July 29 – Aug. 2, 1 – 5 p.m. (In-person)
In this course, students will learn how to share stories using digital platforms such as podcasts and video. Students will be exposed to core journalism skills and techniques that allow them to develop fact-based storytelling that captures audience attention.
Cost: $330
Instructor: Fernando Gallo
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION
July 15 – 19, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (In-person)
What does it mean to be an entrepreneur? Gain valuable insights into what it takes to turn a great idea into a reality through interactive classroom discussions, field trips, guest speakers and a “Shark Tank”-like pitch event.
Cost: $330
Instructor: Cameron Law
EXPLORING CAREERS IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
July 29 – Aug. 2, 1 – 5 p.m. (Online)
Artificial Intelligence, or machine learning, is what powers many tools and services in our everyday lives. This course introduces fundamental AI concepts while delving into diverse career opportunities that leverage AI services and solutions. Students will identify and explore the implications of AI systems in everyday use in areas such as social media, commerce, health, medicine, environmental issues, and consider the emerging areas where AI will be applied. By the end of this course, students will have not only a foundational understanding of AI but also a vision of the diverse career pathways it opens up.
Cost: $330
Instructor: Anna Baynes and Chia-Jung Chung
EXPLORING CAREERS IN DESIGN: INTERIOR DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE, AND CONSTRUCTION
July 29 – Aug. 2, 1 – 5 p.m. (In-person)
In this course, students will learn about the interrelated disciplines of architecture, interior design and construction. Students will be exposed to career opportunities related to these fields and visit building construction sites.
Cost: $330
Instructor: Ginger Thompson
FASHION DESIGN ACADEMY
June 24 – 28, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (In-person)
In this hands-on course, students will learn basic fashion product development, merchandising, and design. Students will explore the educational and career opportunities in the field of fashion. Guest fashion photographers, merchandisers and entrepreneurs will offer presentation. For a full-day fashion experience, enroll in “Fashion Illustration Academy” for the second half of the day!
Cost: $330
Instructor: Esther Amato
FASHION ILLUSTRATION ACADEMY
June 24 – 28, 1 – 5 p.m. (In-person)
In this hands-on course, students will learn basic fashion sketch and illustration. Students will explore the elements and principles of illustration, while sketching your own fashion line in full color. For a full-day fashion experience, enroll in “Fashion Design Academy” for the first half of the day!
Cost: $330
Instructor: Ernest Olson
FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
July 8 – 12, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (In-person)
Explore the rigors of fire station life, academy training and physical fitness requirements, while discovering career pathways in emergency and medical services. Students will complete this academy with an earned CPR certificate.
Cost: $330
Instructor: Adrienne Bisharat
FUTURE TEACHERS
July 22 – 26, 1 – 5 p.m. (Online)
Explore careers in education with Sacramento State faculty and educators. Discover the various ways students learn, create and present classroom lesson plans, and see how you can change the world by becoming a teacher. This unique academy is designed to provide high school students with a comprehensive exploration of careers in education, while also delving into cutting-edge educational technology, including AI tools.
Cost: $330
Instructor: Chia Jung Chung
GENDER STUDIES
July 8 – 12, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (In-person)
Have you ever wondered about the stereotype that boys wear blue and girls wear pink? Are you interested in learning more about how you perceive yourself and the world around you? In this course, students will explore topics in law, feminism, LGBTQ+, pop culture, and film while discovering how we have been taught to perform our gender identity within society.
Cost: $330
Instructor: Melissa Baldwin
EXPLORING HEALTH CAREERS
June 24 – 28, 1 – 5 p.m. (In-person)
Do you know what a clinical lab scientist does? What about a radiologist or a physical therapist? Explore traditional and non-traditional health professions, earn a CPR certificate, and develop a plan to reach your health career goals!
Cost: $330
Instructor: Rachael Mack