High School   

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A VIRTUAL COURSE!

"Parallel Programming: Making Larger Computations Even Faster": Parallel computing has become ubiquitous, with smart phones and laptops containing 6-core processors nowadays. The basic purpose of using several cores is to speed up the computations, and the purpose of connecting several processors is to solve larger problems by pooling their memory. This course will demonstrate the parallel programming using MPI (Message Passing Interface), the most common library of parallel communication commands for distributed-memory clusters. Registered students will gain access to a cluster in the UMBC High Performance Computing Facility (hpcf.umbc.edu) consisting of more than 50 compute nodes with two 18-core processors each.

Technology Requirment: Students are required to have access to a laptop or desktop computer with a camera and microphone.

*A quiet environment is most suitable to complete this course, since it will be conducted online by video conferencing.*

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"ICN2U": Exploring The Career of Sonography: Most people are intrigued that an ultrasound can visualize a baby before birth. Are you aware that Sonography – or ultrasound – is used to image a multitude of organs from head to toe? If you have a passion for precision and excellence, a desire to help people, and a hope for a creative and responsible medical profession, consider a career in Sonography! This course will introduce you to Sonography: the most operator-dependent of all imaging modalities. As a sonographer, your knowledge and skill matters. 

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"AI Innovations in Sales and Marketing: An Introduction To AI-Powered Business Strategies": In this hands-on, 5 day course, students will get an interactive introduction to AI’s role in modern business—learning key skills to analyze data, create targeted marketing plans, and understand customer behavior. Led by experienced instructors, they’ll engage with AI techniques that bring customer data to life. By the end of the week, students will work together to create a marketing campaign for a fictional product using AI insights—an exciting capstone project to apply everything they’ve learned.

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Arduino Robotics Bootcamp: In this hands-on course, your child will be introduced to the Arduino robotics platform and gain practical experience assembling the key components needed to build a basic robot. They will get first-hand experience working with wiring, motors, servos, LEDs, and programming. The class will be highly interactive, with participants working in groups and lab settings to physically construct the robotics platform and bring it to life through coding.

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*THIS COURSE IS BEING HELD AT THE SHADY GROVE CAMPUS (ROCKVILLE, MD)!*

Arduino Robotics Bootcamp: In this hands-on course, your child will be introduced to the Arduino robotics platform and gain practical experience assembling the key components needed to build a basic robot. They will get first-hand experience working with wiring, motors, servos, LEDs, and programming. The class will be highly interactive, with participants working in groups and lab settings to physically construct the robotics platform and bring it to life through coding.

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Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and the Power of Storytelling: How can Artificial Intelligence transform healthcare, and how do we simplify the complex data to make it understandable and impactful? This course offers high school students an exciting opportunity to explore cutting-edge AI applications in medicine- from diagnosing diseases to personalizing treatments while developing crucial skills in data analysis and storytelling. In this course, you'll dive into the exciting intersection of artificial intelligence, healthcare, and data communication. Learn how AI is revolutionizing medical diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient care. Develop the skills to analyze complex healthcare data and transform it into impactful stories that drive change.

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Build A VEX Robot: Students will compete in a challenge where they will learn how to design, build and program a VEX Robot. The competition will be centered on the Engineering Grand Challenges which aim to solve some of the world’s biggest issues. This program is designed for all levels of experience; ranging from beginner to expert programmer.

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Chemical Engineering: This unique course is a fun and fascinating look at the world of chemical engineering. Chemical engineering has a wide range of applications outside of conventional petroleum refining. Breakthroughs in pharmaceutical drug delivery, chemical production, water treatment, and air pollution are some of the cutting-edge applications being developed every day. Students will spend the week conducting hands-on experiments and demonstrations highlighting the field's versatility. Students will learn about materials and energy balance fundamentals, chemical reactions, and the numerous areas in which they are used. The course will also examine how these concepts apply to environmental and biochemical engineering.

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Chess Academy: Chess teaches critical thinking and problem solving, giving students the mental discipline needed to succeed in school and in life. Studies have shown that chess helps kids to improve their math and reading skills. This course is open to beginner, intermediate, and advanced players wanting to take their game to the next level.

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College Application Bootcamp:  This course is designed to help your child understand and successfully manage the college application process in their freshman, sophomore and junior years. Through this course, students will come to understand what it takes to build a powerful college application package. Students will also see what they should be doing at each step of their high school journey in order to prepare to apply. During this group experience, participants will examine what college admissions officials consider when reading an application. Further, students will work to build college application packages that will serve to provide themselves the optimal shot at getting into their first choice college.

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"Cosmic Distances: Measuring the Universe":  Ever wondered how we measure the vast distances to stars, galaxies, and beyond? In this exciting one-week course, you'll uncover the secrets of cosmic distances using astrophysical theories and essential math concepts. Learn how scientists estimate the size and scale of our universe, and get hands-on experience with real astronomical data collected at the UMBC Observatory. You'll even tour the observatory and see how professional-grade telescopes and tools are used to explore the cosmos. Join us for an unforgettable journey through space and science!

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"Cyber Crash Course: Unleash Your Tech Skills": Ever wondered how the Internet works? How are files of all types transferred from one device to another? It all starts with connecting devices to each other—better known as “Networking.” In this course, students will explore the fundamentals of networking and delve into cybersecurity essentials: learning to intercept and secure devices through Offensive Security and Defensive Security techniques. Students will also be introduced to Cyber Operations, where they’ll discover how to plan for unlikely incidents, back up data, and recover from attacks.

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Digital Music Production Techniques and Songwriting: For students looking to expand their musical skills, learn how to write songs and create beats using software, this course offers an introduction to creating music digitally. Using Ableton live and chrome music lab, students will create beats and instrumental music, explore audio engineering, recording and songwriting in a collaborative setting. Students will learn how to create, release, perform and present their original music.

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Earth Science with Satellite Imagery: Satellite images of the Earth from space are some of our best tools to study our weather, oceans, pollution, and changes to our cities, rainforests, and polar caps over time. In this class, you will learn why scientists care so much about measuring the entire Earth from space daily. We’ll also talk about the different kinds of signals we measure from space – specifically, how to identify liquid water from ice clouds, algae blooms from sediment in the ocean, desert dust from wildfire smoke – and all from satellite imagery. You’ll also get hands-on experience with satellite data from an exciting new NASA climate mission called PACE (which stands for Plankton, Aerosols, Clouds, ocean Ecosystem). Image credit: Joseph Knuble/NASA GSFC

Image Caption:  True color imagery from the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) on the NASA Plankton Aerosol Cloud ocean Ecosystem (PACE) spacecraft. OCI observed the smoke plume from the January 2025 Palisade wildfire in Southern California (left), low clouds over snow and ice in Northern Canada (center), and a great phytoplankton bloom around the Falkland Islands in the southern Atlantic (right).

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Electrical Engineering: Optical Effects Around Us: Optics in engineering are used every day in grocery stores, airports, cameras, wearable tech, cars, and homes. How does light interact with matter? What is the source of color? What is the difference between coherent and incoherent light? This course will answer these questions and many more. Optical effects from the electrical engineering perspective are rooted in physics, and this class will spark your curiosity and appetite to learn more about the concepts of optics. The course will be an experiential learning platform, provide insight and offer a practical introduction of how to appreciate the numerous applications of optics around you.

“It showed me new experiences and taught me about wavelength frequency and energy as well as focal points for lasers etc.”- Isitua A. SEA 2024 Student

"I loved doing the experiments with lasers!" SEA 2023 Student

"I thought it the course was an interesting concept with innovative experiments." SEA 2023 Student

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THIS CLASS IS FULL. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.

Entrepreneurship: Financial Literacy- Back by popular demand to the SEA lineup of programming is this new financial literacy class focused on personal finance and entrepreneurship. This class will examine the basics of financial literacy and each student will create their own personal budget, a critical skill for teens earning their first paychecks. They will also learn about entrepreneurship as they create and present their own business plans. Students taking this course will further their knowledge of financial literacy, explore and grow their mathematical and critical-thinking skills, while having fun. Students enrolled in this class will leave with valuable skills they'll directly be able to apply to their lives.

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Explorations In Extraordinary Geometry: The exploration of topics ranging from topology to solid and differential geometry through a variety of hands-on projects. Using materials such as paper, fabric, and yarn you will bring to life spiky "stellated" polyhedra, surfaces from the 4th dimension, the opposite of a sphere, and much more! 

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"Exploring the Future: Robotics and AI Adventure" is an educational program designed to introduce high school students to the fascinating fields of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). This course provides a comprehensive understanding of robotics and AI technologies, covering both the fundamental principles and real-world applications.

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*THIS COURSE IS BEING HELD AT THE SHADY GROVE CAMPUS (ROCKVILLE, MD)*

Food Deserts vs. Food Swamps: Tackling America's Hidden Crisis! Did you know that nearly 2.3 million people in the U.S. live in places where healthy food is hard to find? These areas are called food deserts and food swamps—and they’re not just about food, they’re about race, class, and health. In this class, you’ll dive into some of the toughest issues facing our communities today: Why do food deserts and food swamps exist? How do they contribute to health problems? And what can we do about it?

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"Graphic Minds: Using Comics to Unpack Philosophical Ideas": In ancient times, stories of gods and heroes helped people understand the world around them. While modern society may no longer believe in these myths, we still crave stories that make sense of our lives. Today, those stories are told through superheroes in capes and masks. This course is a deep dive into philosophy, using comic books as a powerful lens to explore timeless questions.

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GUITAR FUNDAMENTALS: A HANDS-ON WORKSHOP FOR ASPIRING PLAYERS- Unleash your child’s musical potential with this engaged, hands-on workshop tailored for aspiring guitarists! Perfect for beginners and those building their skills, this course blends active learning with a collaborative approach to help students develop essential techniques and confidence. From rock classics to fingerstyle and blues, students will explore diverse genres and practice playing in groups under the guidance of an experienced instructor. Upon completion, participants will have made meaningful strides toward mastery and will perform a song they’ve learned during a special presentation for family and friends on the final day.

Students must bring their own acoustic or electric guitar to participate in this course.

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Introduction to AI Pipelines: Build & Deploy Your First AI Project | AI Hackathon: Step into the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning with this beginner-friendly course designed for high school students. In this hands-on program, students will learn the foundational concepts of AI pipelines and create their own AI-powered chatbots from scratch. Whether you're curious about AI or interested in building real-world applications, this course offers the perfect introduction to the limitless possibilities of AI.

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Intro to Cybersecurity: Web Penetration Testing from First Principles: In this dynamic and engaging course designed especially for high school students, we will take students on an interactive adventure into the realm of web penetration testing, where they will learn to think and act like cybersecurity professionals. This course will open and expand on students knowledge from Web development and Python programming courses.  Students will engage in an interactive Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge that specifically focuses on web penetration testing. This game-based approach to learning makes the process more enjoyable and engaging for students.  Using Web Emperor CTF, students will take on the role of ethical hackers tasked with securing a vulnerable web application. Students will be tasked with protecting "Kova Bank" (not a real bank) which has several vulnerabilities typical of real-world web applications.

“I learned so much especially with being completely new to the subject. I was able to work and learn about cybersecurity and its capabilities and it made me interested in learning more.” -Michael H., SEA 2024 Student

“I learned a lot in the class and was able to gain useful knowledge I can use in the future” -Ehren C., SEA 2024 Student

“I highly enjoyed the class and learned a lot.” -Heath L., SEA 2024 Student

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"Laboratory Optics: The Science of Light": Dive into the fascinating world of light in this hands-on, one-week course where you'll explore the branch of physics that illuminates both the everyday and the extraordinary. Discover how light behaves as both a wave and a particle, and learn why it’s a key tool for understanding everything from distant galaxies to tiny microbes. You’ll experiment with lasers and investigate phenomena like diffraction, interference, refraction, and polarization. Plus, explore cutting-edge applications of optics in modern fiber communication and quantum technologies. If you’re curious about how light shapes our world—and our future—this course is for you!

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LIFE SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: This interactive course helps youth develop essential life skills for success in personal, academic, and professional settings. Participants will improve in decision-making, financial literacy, time management, emotional intelligence, resilience, and relationship-building through activities and exercises. By course end, they will gain the confidence and skills to navigate challenges, build strong relationships, and set a foundation for future growth and success.

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Map Madness: Intro to Geospatial Software and Human Geography- Have you ever wondered how your phone knows exactly where you are? How do we represent space and place? How do we collect and represent data in unique and accessible ways? These are all questions that environmental scientists and geographers think about! In this summer course, students will learn to effectively use geospatial mapping software such as ArcGIS and ArcGIS online. Many environmental scientists and geographers utilize these programs for physical geography and human geography applications. Students will work in groups to gather information about environmental concerns around the UMBC campus, transforming their collected data into their own visual representations or maps. Students will learn the importance of spatial data and how it is used to make inferences and projections about a range of things, from wildlife distribution in local forests and inclement weather to population density trends and where you are right now!

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Mock Trial (High School): Are you interested in debate, and want to experience what happens in a courtroom first hand? Do you think you have a future in law? Mock Trial is a simulation of a courtroom trial with, judge jury, prosecution and defense! This interactive course is designed to introduce high school students to the concepts of legal reasoning and argument in a fun and engaging platform.

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MODEL UN: This course is an immersive experience in international diplomacy, designed to replicate the functions of the United Nations. Students will assume the roles of delegates representing different countries and engage in simulated diplomatic negotiations, debates, and discussions. The course aims to develop a deep understanding of global issues, enhance research and public speaking skills, and foster the ability to collaborate on complex international challenges.

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"Physics of the Atmosphere: Wonders of the Sky": Discover the science behind the breathtaking phenomena of our atmosphere. Explore how clouds form, why rainbows appear, and what makes sunsets so colorful. Learn about the physics of light, weather, and optical illusions in the sky through engaging activities and demonstrations. This course offers a captivating look at the forces and principles shaping the skies above us, perfect for curious high school students eager to understand the world around them.

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Pigments of Life - from photosynthesis to cancer therapy: The course will introduce the principles of light-matter interactions, role of pigments in biological processes fundamental for life (such as respiration and photosynthesis), and will demonstrate how photosynthesis inspires numerous applications of natural and synthetic pigments in areas such diverse as solar energy conversion, cancer treatment, and medicinal diagnosis.

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POLITICAL DEBATE: Did you know that UMBC has one of the top 5 debate teams in the country? Learn the art of persuasion and how to craft a winning argument. This session will explore debate strategies and techniques. Have a fantastic time arguing, discussing current events and engaging in spirited debates over all kinds of topics. Through preparation of arguments, learn the art of persuasion, practice research skills and develop the ability to think like a historian. Students will explore topics of debate including gun control, immigration, limits to the freedom of speech, American foreign relations, and other topics related to political current events. There will also be a student-choice debate which is a lot of fun.

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Prepared & Protected: CPR, First Aid, and Disaster Readiness: This session is designed exclusively for high school students eager to develop life-saving skills and learn how to respond effectively in emergencies. Participants will complete the American Heart Association (AHA) Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Certification, receive Stop the Bleed training, and explore the fundamentals of disaster preparedness. Through hands-on activities and expert instruction, students will gain the confidence to act in critical situations and make a positive impact in their communities. Students will also get a glimpse of the opportunities available through UMBC’s Emergency and Disaster Health Systems (EDHS) department, which offers pathways to expand this foundational knowledge into advanced studies and career preparation.

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Quantum Bridge: Guess what? The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technoloy! What's a more perfect time to partiticpate in this course than now?

Quantum materials are the key to making innovations like these possible. In this course, you will discover through engaging lessons, hands-on experiments, and demonstrations how these materials are paving the way for the next generation of technological breakthroughs. You will learn how to synthesize these materials - gold nanoparticles, quantum dots, and perovskites and how they can be applied in different areas. By exploring this field, you can become part of a new generation of innovators who will shape the future of medicine, energy, and technology.

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Role Player Game Exploration: From Dungeons and Dragons to a new role playing game developed at UMBC called Organic Panic!, Professor Steven McAlpine has played and developed role playing games for the past three decades.  In this summer session, students will also learn the foundations of game theory, techniques for developing RPG's and technologies and apps that have helped us to create immersive experiences for players. Students will learn about the development of our latest science-based RPG entitled 'Mission to Europa' and will compete in teams to play the Organic Panic! game on our final day of our session. 

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SAT Test Prep Course: UMBC SAT Prep Class offers serious preparation for these high-stakes undergraduate admissions tests. All of our SAT Prep Class options include expert instruction, a proven format, all required course materials, access to diagnostic exams, and online support resources in one convenient, affordable package.

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*THIS COURSE IS BEING HELD AT THE SHADY GROVE CAMPUS (ROCKVILLE, MD) !*

SAT Test Prep Course: UMBC SAT Prep Class offers serious preparation for these high-stakes undergraduate admissions tests. All of our SAT Prep Class options include expert instruction, a proven format, all required course materials, access to diagnostic exams, and online support resources in one convenient, affordable package.

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SEA Sustainable Design and Build: The Kinetic Sculpture Project 2025: How do a group of students design, build and race a bicycle powered work of art that can float, go through sand and mud, and survive 15 miles of Baltimore roads? UMBC students have built two award winning sculptures, one of which is a 25 foot mechanical shark! This workshop will engage students in improving mechanical systems and sculptural components in preparation for a kinetic sculpture race that they will have on the last day of the workshop.

“…it was fun and cool to build kinetic sculptures”-Kara M., SEA 2024 Student 

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Sports Broadcasting:  "Boo-yah!" "Let's get readyyyyyy to rumbllllllle!"  "He could go all the way!"  "GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!" "Juuuust a bit outside."

We have all heard these famous lines from broadcasters. One day, this could be you commenting on a sports event!Students will learn the basics of broadcasting sporting events by speaking and learning from leaders in the industry. Students will explore all the ins-and-outs of sports broadcasting and all the different equipment and positions that are used. They will learn about working in the production truck, camera operations, graphics engines and how to make highlight packages, among other tasks.

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STOCK MARKET: FINANCIAL LITERACY- Students get a chance to try their own hand at what it's like investing money. Students will increase their knowledge of financial literacy by examining investment strategies and advanced stock market topics such as option trading. Students role up their sleeves and jump right in, as they take part in a stock market game competition. To make the competition even more fun, the winners of the stock market game will earn Amazon gift cards!

“The instructor has a true passion for what he's teaching, he puts in the effort to teach and makes sure everyone understands by going multiple times around the room asking people if they need help, and it’s amazing how interactive the whole class was. One of the best instructors I have ever had!”- Allisson C., SEA 2024 Student

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The Era of Quantum Science and Technology at UMBC!: Guess what? The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technoloy! What's a more perfect time to partiticpate in this course than now? Quantum science is reshaping our world, from groundbreaking materials to revolutionary technologies like quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Join our summer program to explore the fundamental physics behind these advancements and discover the fascinating world of quantum mechanics.

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THE ETHICAL HACKER'S QUEST: BUILDING CYBER SKILLS STEP-BY-STEP: Ever wondered how hackers find and exploit vulnerabilities in digital systems? This interactive, beginner friendly hands-on course will take high school students on an exciting trip to discover the complexities of ethical hacking and cybersecurity. This course, geared towards those new to the subject or wishing to expand on their core knowledge, will educate students on how ethical hackers find and fix system flaws and safeguard them against malicious attacks.

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The Japanese Cultural Experience: What comes to your mind when you hear Japanese culture? Origami? Tea ceremony? Kendo? Anime? Manga? J-pop? Whatever comes to your mind, you are in the right place! Japanese culture is mixed with long lasting traditions and new concepts. This course introduces students to both traditional culture and pop-culture in one week. We plan to cover the topics that include origami, calligraphy, sports, manga, anime, games and pop music. We will also welcome Japanese high school students to discuss and share our thoughts on both Japanese and American cultures. Classes are structured to consist of lectures and hands-on activities for each topic. Bring your curiosity and experience something completely different from your routine!

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*THIS COURSE IS BEING HELD AT THE SHADY GROVE CAMPUS (ROCKVILLE, MD) !

Unlock the World of Bioterrorism and Bio-Warfare: A High-Stakes Course for Future Problem Solvers! Ever wondered how dangerous diseases could be used as weapons? Or how the world would respond to an outbreak caused by bio-terrorism? In this exciting course, you’ll dive deep into the chilling world of bioterrorism and bio-warfare, exploring the real-world threats that could impact human health and the environment.

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