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. Online registration opens soon.  

Recommended Academies for 7^th – 10^th Graders

ARTISTIC ILLUSTRATION

In-person from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on July 20 – 24, 2026

Students will learn about six illustrators and discover how these artists use different tools and techniques to tell stories through pictures. Students will experiment with the methods that make each illustrator’s style distinctive, then explore their own artistic voice using pastel, watercolor, and mixed media. Along the way, they’ll build important art skills like drawing, using color effectively, and creating textures that help illustrators bring their ideas to life.

Cost: $330

Instructor: Rebekah Ybarra

CREATIVE WRITING: TELLING EXTRAORDINARY STORIES

In-person from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on July 6 – 10, 2026

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

In-person from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on July 6 – 10, 2026

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

CRITICAL THINKING: THINKING YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS

In-person from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on June 22 – 26, 2026

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

DYNAMIC NATURE DRAWING

In-person from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on June 22 – 26, 2026

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: Michelle Steen

INTRODUCTION TO PYTHON PROGRAMMING

In-person from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on July 13 – 17, 2026

Designed for students with prior Python experience, this course builds on foundational programming skills to explore more advanced problem-solving techniques. Students will work with functions, data structures, file handling, and modular program design while developing more complex and efficient Python programs. Emphasis is placed on algorithmic thinking, debugging strategies, and writing clean, readable code applicable to real-world scenarios.

Cost: $330

Instructor: Gary Garot

INTRODUCTION TO VIDEO GAME DEVELOPMENT

Section 1: Online from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on June 22 – 26, 2026

Section 2: In-person from 1 – 5 p.m. on July 13 – 17, 2026

Explore the fundamentals of game theory, game platforms, 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 per section

Instructor: Cheng-Chi Lee

PERFORMING ARTS: ACTING FOR STAGE & SCREEN

In-person from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on July 6 – 10, 2026

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

WRITING EFFECTIVE ARGUMENTS

In-person from 1 – 5 p.m. on June 22 – 26, 2026

Through written and spoken practice, students learn to argue effectively using their voices. 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

Online from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on June 22 – 26, 2026

This course introduces students to financial concepts, tools, and best practices for saving money to achieve short and long-term goals.

Cost: $220

Instructor: Manuel Morfin

ACRYLIC ART LAB: CREATE, PAINT, INSPIRE

In-person from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. on July 6 - 10, 2026

Dive into the vibrant world of acrylic painting in this immersive week-long course! Over five days, students will learn fundamental acrylic painting techniques, from blending colors and building texture to mastering brush control and layering. Each day will introduce a new painting genre, allowing students to apply their skills across various styles.

Cost: $330

Instructor: Michelle Steen

INTRODUCTION TO STENCYL

In-person from 1 – 5 p.m. on June 22 – 26, 2026

Stencyl is a powerful game creation toolset, centered around an intuitive block-snapping interface. With Stencyl, students can produce their own 2D video games without programming, play them on their computers and mobile devices, and distribute them for anyone to play on the web, iOS App Store and Google Play.

Cost: $330

Instructor: Cheng-Chi Lee

Recommended Academies for 9^th – 12^th Graders

CAREER VISIONS 

In-person from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on June 22 – 26, 2026

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

In-person from 1 – 5 p.m. on July 27 - 31, 2026

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

CREATING AN ONLINE BUSINESS

In-person from 1 – 5 p.m. on July 13 – 17, 2025

Creating and running a mock online business will teach students the unique opportunities and challenges in this field of entrepreneurship, as well as assist them in developing analytical, project planning, problem-solving, and presentation skills.

Cost: $330

Instructor: Cheng-Chi Lee

CREATIVE WRITING: ADVANCED STORYTELLING

In-person from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on July 13 – 17, 2026

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 Hemingway, your story will need revision, edits, and possibly even restructuring to be the best story it can possibly be.

Cost: $330

Instructor: Matt Johnson

CYBER SECURITY

Online from 1 – 5 p.m. on July 20 – 24, 2026

Come and explore how the cyber world becomes vulnerable to hackers, what “weapons” can be leveraged by attackers, and how we should protect and defend ourselves. This is going to be an interesting and inspiring course! Students will see the various abstract concepts illustrated through concrete demos and interactive apps while being guided to investigate some famous security incidents in class.

Cost: $330

Instructor: Brian Bhatti

DIGITAL JOURNALISM STORYTELLING

In-person from 1 – 5 p.m. on July 13 – 17, 2026

In this course, students will learn how to share stories using digital platforms such as podcasts and videos. Students will be exposed to core journalism skills and techniques that allow them to develop fact-based storytelling that captures the audience’s attention.

Cost: $330

Instructor: Fernando Gallo

ENGINEERING AND ROBOTICS

In-person from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on June 22 – 26, 2026

Build and program your own robot to perform tasks. Learn about careers in engineering and artificial intelligence. Plus, design and build a popsicle stick bridge, then compete to see whose bridge can withstand the heaviest load.

Cost: $520

Instructor: Rustin Vogt

EXPLORING CAREERS IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Online from 1 – 5 p.m. on July 27 – 31, 2026

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 & Chia Jung Chung

EXPLORING HEALTH CAREERS

In-person from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on July 27 – 31, 2026

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: Amanda Morris

FASHION DESIGN

In-person from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on June 22 – 26, 2026

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 presentations.

Cost: $330

Instructor: Esther Amato

FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES

In-person from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on June 22 - 26, 2026

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

INTRODUCTION TO 3D PRINTING AND DESIGN

In-person from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on July 13 - 17, 2026

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 PHOTOSHOP: DESIGNING DIGITAL ADS

In-person from 1 - 5 p.m. on July 13 – 17, 2026

In this hands-on course, students will learn how to use Adobe Photoshop to create professional and engaging digital advertisements. Through practical projects and guided instruction, they will explore essential design principles, including typography, color theory, composition, and branding. Students will also develop skills in photo editing, layering, and special effects to enhance their ad designs. By the end of the course, they will have a portfolio-ready digital ad and a strong foundation in graphic design for online marketing and social media platforms.

Cost: $330

Instructor: Kristina Duncan

MAKER STUDIES – PRODUCT DESIGN

In-person from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on July 27 – 31, 2026

Join other young local innovators in this exciting, hands-on creative technology camp. Young innovators will learn product design from start to finish. Using creative tools such as sewing machines, embroidery machines, laser cutters, 3D printers, vinyl cutters, and button presses.  Learn the basics of graphic design and turn your imagination into a product! From crafting a custom textile design to using high-tech tools, this camp offers an engaging experience that will spark your imagination and teach real-world skills.

Cost: $330

Instructor: Preston Tobery & Erin Gottis

DATA STRUCTURE PROBLEM SOLVING

Online from 1 - 5 p.m. on July 13 – 17, 2026

This course introduces students to the core data structures used in computer science to organize and manage information efficiently. Through interactive activities and hands-on labs, students explore how data structures affect performance, problem-solving, and real-world applications such as social media, search engines, and games.

Cost: $330

Instructor: Brian Bhatti

ENGINEERING CLASS: AERIAL ROBOTICS

In-person from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. on July 20 – 24, 2026

This hands-on class introduces students to coding and drone technology using the micro: bit and Air: Bit 2 drone kit. Students learn block-based and Python programming while exploring flight control, sensors, and autonomous behaviors. The course emphasizes problem-solving, teamwork, and real-world applications of robotics. 

Cost: $520

Instructor: Garima Soharu

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

In-person from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. on July 20 – 24, 2026

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

INTERMEDIATE PROGRAMMING WITH PYTHON

In-person from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. on July 20 – 24, 2026

Cost: $330

Instructor: Gary Garot

INTRODUCTION TO WEB DEVELOPMENT: HTML, CSS, JAVASCRIPT, REACT

Online from 1 – 5 p.m. on July 27 – 31, 2026

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of web development through a hands-on project. Over the week, students will build a complete interactive website, gaining experience in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, responsive design, and deployment. By the end, students will have a polished web project to showcase or continue improving.

Cost: $330

Instructor: Brian Bhatti