High School   

Acting Techniques for High Schoolers: This course is designed to provide high school actors with a more in depth knowledge of acting techniques to be used in rehearsal for production, and for auditions. Through theatre games, basic script analysis techniques, and scene study, the student will build confidence when approaching an acting text. As acting is a process that requires a thorough knowledge of the actor's instrument, we will explore the inner and outer terrain of the actor (physical, mental, and emotional).

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AI Invations In Sales/Marketing - An Introduction to AI Powered Business Strategies: How can businesses use AI to predict customer needs and craft marketing strategies that truly resonate? Students will dive into the artificial intelligence frameworks, exploring how companies use AI and data, (including theirs) to shape today’s business landscape.

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, understand and explore customer behavior. Students will do a deep dive and learn 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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AI Innovators: Learn How Machines Think- Have you ever wondered how machines make decisions or recognize patterns like humans do? In this exciting, hands-on course, you’ll step into the role of an AI creator and learn how computers “think”, “learn”, and make predictions. 

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Welcome to Introduction to AP Computer Science! This course is designed to give you a head start on the skills and concepts you’ll encounter in your upcoming AP Computer Science class. Together, we’ll build a strong foundation in problem-solving, programming, and computational thinking, so that when the school year begins, you’ll feel confident and prepared. By previewing key topics, practicing coding techniques, and exploring real-world applications, you’ll not only gain an academic advantage but also develop the habits of mind that lead to long-term success in computer science.

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

Welcome to Introduction to AP Computer Science! This course is designed to give you a head start on the skills and concepts you’ll encounter in your upcoming AP Computer Science class. Together, we’ll build a strong foundation in problem-solving, programming, and computational thinking, so that when the school year begins, you’ll feel confident and prepared. By previewing key topics, practicing coding techniques, and exploring real-world applications, you’ll not only gain an academic advantage but also develop the habits of mind that lead to long-term success in computer science.

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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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Atmospheric Science Lab: Build, Test, & Deploy A Handheld Air Quality Sensor! In this lab, we will build a sun photometer - a sensor sensitive to sunlight - that will allow us to study the amount of pollution in the atmosphere. Typically, the amount of sunlight on a clear day is stable and well-known. If our sensor measures less light than expected, there are likely aerosols, like smoke or dust, floating about in the atmosphere - maybe from Baltimore City, or as far away as Canada! These measurements are important for public health, and also help scientists better understand how pollution impacts our weather, climate, and ecosystem.

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Become a 10X App Developer:  AI-Assited App Development "The Right Way"-  Students will learn how to properly harness the power of AI tools to enhance their software development skills, whether they are new to coding or have some experience. Students will learn the basics of app development, then make use of AI tools to accelerate their productivity in developing different types of applications using the Python programming language.

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The Biotech Leader Simulation Program: This hands-on summer course gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how life-saving medicines are developed, from the research lab to patients who need them.Over 5 days, you will step into the role of a biotech company leader using an engaging strategy game created by PhD scientists.

Working in teams, you will make real decisions about drug discovery, running clinical trials, scaling up manufacturing, and launching products to fight diseases.Through interactive workshops and daily gaming challenges based on actual industry scenarios, you will explore exciting STEM careers while building valuable skills like strategic thinking, project management, teamwork, and innovation.

Expert mentors guide you through the world of immunology, drug development, AI in healthcare, and public health, all while having fun competing and collaborating with fellow students.

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

THE BIOTECH LEADER SIMULATION PROGRAM: This hands-on summer course gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how life-saving medicines are developed, from the research lab to patients who need them. Over 5 days, you will step into the role of a biotech company leader using an engaging strategy game created by PhD scientists.

Working in teams, you will make real decisions about drug discovery, running clinical trials, scaling up manufacturing, and launching products to fight diseases.

Through interactive workshops and daily gaming challenges based on actual industry scenarios, you will explore exciting STEM careers while building valuable skills like strategic thinking, project management, teamwork, and innovation.

Expert mentors guide you through the world of immunology, drug development, AI in healthcare, and public health, all while having fun competing and collaborating with fellow students.

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BUILD A REX 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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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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Coding with Emotions: The Science of Empathic AI: In this exciting and interactive course, students will explore how Artificial Intelligence can recognize, understand, and respond to human emotions. From detecting smiles in photos to building chatbots that respond kindly, learners will dive into the world of empathetic technology — where coding meets human connection.

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Cohado® FutureMakers Lab is a collaborative design space where play becomes power — and you work together to reimagine what’s possible.

This is a five-day immersive experience for high school students who want more than a game — they want a way to reshape their world. Built around Cohado®, the transformative Afrofuturist, collaborative strategy game designed by Paulo Gregory, who will be stewarding this 5-day experience. This program uses design thinking, game theory, and real-world creativity to unlock a new paradigm for building better relationships, stronger communities, and a more abundant planet.

This is no game. This is a leadership launchpad for the next generation of builders, connectors, and visionaries.

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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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Computational Materials Chemistry: This course presents modern computational methods in materials chemistry that include density functional theory, cloud computing, and machine learning. Students will receive an introduction to electronic structure methods through calculations of mineral oxides and semiconductors and understand how this knowledge is transferred to create new materials to improve human health, energy, and the environment.

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Create Your College Portfolio-Prepare for the Opportunities Ahead:  Opportunities don’t come to people who are not visible — and you can’t be visible if you don’t have anything to share. That’s why having a strong personal portfolio is one of the most powerful ways for students to stand out. In this future-focused course, high school students will create a polished, professional portfolio that showcases their strengths, achievements, and potential using the help of the latest AI tools.

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Creating Dynamic Music Performances: Developing Your Unique Artist Identity: Recommended for the advanced musician, this course covers how to create a practice routine that will take you to the next level, where to find musicians, learning rhythms, melody and chord structures of different genres. Learn how to find the right long term teachers, university, and community for developing your musical habits, learn how to craft an artist image and electronic press kit (EPK) and learn what goes into creating and promoting a show and artist resume for your performance career.

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Digital Storytelling: What’s your personal story? During our week together, you will learn how to create your own multimedia digital story using WeVideo. We will: Write a creative and effective script Capture photos and video footage Record clear and expressive audio Make thoughtful editing choices And finally, upload your finished story to YouTube to share with others Through this process, you will be working in small groups to develop and refine a personal story that you can include in your future college, trade school, or internship application, or share with close family and friends. By the end of the week, you’ll have a completed digital story that reflects your voice, ideas, and creativity! 

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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

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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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Ethics Bowl: What do barking dogs, biological weapons, experimental surgeries, and access ramps all have in common? They all present moral difficulties of just the sort that people have been trying to solve for thousands of years. Ethics Bowl is a type of value-driven debate that is meant to provide practice wrestling with just such questions. In this session, students will learn (1) how to think about morals in the abstract, (2) how to apply moral reasoning to particular cases, and (3) how to present conclusions effectively. 

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Recommended for advanced students who have already learned audio engineering basics and fundamentals of music production, this course is aimed at students looking to take their existing skills to the next level. Mixing, mastering, collaboration, and album release packaging are all explored in this advanced course for the budding audio engineer, producer, or musician.

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Exploring The Career Of Sonography -“ICN2U” : 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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Forensic DNA Analysis: This course will include an analysis of fingerprints, blood typing, and a variety of DNA tests including RFLP and PCR-STR.

Students will:

1. Learn how to extract and analyze DNA.

2. Interpret forensic data.

3. Interpret DNA evidence to solve a crime.

4. Understand the molecular basis of inheritance.

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Future Builders: Creating A Sustainable World is an engaging, hands-on summer program designed for middle and high school students to explore real-world environmental and sustainability challenges. Over the course of five themed days, participants will dive into ecosystems, energy, water, waste, and climate systems through interactive lessons, outdoor exploration, and collaborative team projects. Each session is designed to build curiosity, deepen scientific understanding, and connect big environmental concepts to real-world issues. 

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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 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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Is Seeing Believing? Stalinism And The Manufacture Of Truth: Can you trust what you see? In an age defined by images, this hands-on, collaborative course invites students to explore how truth itself can be manufactured. We will investigate how photos, posters, and paintings were used to rewrite reality, using the Soviet Union under Stalin as a starting point to understand how similar visual strategies shape perception today. Through active learning exercises, including archival study, and close analysis of historical and contemporary media, students will uncover how truth, power, and vulnerability are constructed through images. Together, we will practice critical thinking to distinguish political spin from nuance, developing the tools of media literacy needed to see clearly in a world designed to persuade.

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Just Wing It: An Introduction to Aerodynamics introduces students to the world of fluid mechanics. Students will be taught the fundamentals of aerodynamics on miniature airplane wings or airfoils. Once students have spent a day learning about the basics, they will be provided the opportunity to apply their new knowledge. Students will be divided into teams to design and create their own miniature airfoil surface modifications.

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"Mapping the Cosmos: From Kilometer to Megaparsec": 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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Mock Trial: 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.  Open to all levels of skill and experience.

"Your Honor, court is in session"!

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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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Morality in Media: Comic Books: 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. We will discuss a range of traditional philosophical questions such as: Why is the world the way it is? What is the role of power in morality? If the world is strange, then how can it be known? What is a person? Why should we care what a person is? What duties do we owe to others?

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For students looking to take their music performance skills to the next level, we will workshop how to craft a performance, where and how to get involved with performing arts, stagecraft, arranging music, and songwriting. For budding songwriters, we will explore lyric writing, collaborative skills, and how to release music and find the right engineer or record your own music.

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Music Production: For students looking to expand their musical skills, learn how create beats, record instruments, vocals and produce music using software, this course offers an introduction to creating music. Using Ableton live, and soundtrap, 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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Pharmacy, Healthcare, & Technology: Improving Patient Saftey & Quality: introduces students to the intersection of pharmacy, healthcare, and technology in advancing patient safety, healthcare quality, and policy. Students will explore the continuum from drug development and dispensing to the integration of health information systems and quality improvement strategies within healthcare settings. Through discussions, case studies, and a mini project, participants will gain foundational knowledge of how innovation and informatics shape modern healthcare delivery.

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Political Debate & Current Events: 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. Get ready to take a side, build your argument and persuade everyone why they should agree with your position. Open to all levels of skill and experience.

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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: Do you know that some futuristic tech seen in superhero series like The Flash and movies like Black Panther could soon become reality thanks to quantum materials? Imagine super-fast computers that process information at lightning speed, suits that absorb and store energy, or even advanced medical treatments that can target cancer cells precisely without harming healthy tissues. 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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*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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Solar Powered: Harnessing the Power of the Sun!: In this course students will get an introduction into the Grand Challenges program offered at UMBC and many other universities around the world. The Grand Challenges focus on some of the biggest problems our world is facing today. During the week students will complete some hands on challenges, learn about solar and other energy sources/systems, and learn what it takes to design and install a solar system.

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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!

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Techpreneurs: Building Business Through Technology- Students explore how innovation and modern digital tools drive entrepreneurship and shape the future of business. They begin by researching and presenting on real-world tech startups—analyzing how companies like Spotify, Duolingo, or Tesla used creativity and technology to achieve success. Throughout the course, students learn to use hands-on tools such as Canva, Google Sites, Figma, and Scratch to bring their own business ideas to life. 

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The Era of Quantum Science and Technology at UMBC!: Quantum science is reshaping our world, from groundbreaking materials to revolutionary technologies like quantum computing. 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 Handbook to Cybersecurity Challenges in AI: Discover how cybersecurity safeguards a world powered by Artificial Intelligence. This course takes learners beyond theory into the real-world challenges of securing intelligent systems. Through interactive labs, guided projects, and case studies, participants will explore how cyber threats exploit AI vulnerabilities from data poisoning and adversarial attacks to model theft and deepfake manipulation. Students will learn to analyze AI risks, design effective defense strategies, and apply ethical frameworks to ensure responsible innovation. 

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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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The Power Within: Recharge Your Future with Battery Tech -Have you ever stopped to think about what keeps your phone alive, your wireless headphones playing, or your electric car running?In this one-week STEM adventure, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of rechargeable batteries - the tiny powerhouses that keep our modern lives moving! We’ll start our journey by taking a closer look at the batteries you use every day, the ones that power your TV remote. You’ll learn how these familiar objects store and release energy, and what makes them work. From there, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of electrochemistry through a series of fun, hands-on experiments. You’ll get the chance to create your very own simple batteries using common materials, seeing science in action right before your eyes.But our exploration doesn’t stop there. Beyond understanding how batteries function, we’ll broaden our view to consider renewable energy sources and the future of sustainable power. Together, we’ll discuss different ways of energy generation and usage, and how science and innovation are helping us move toward cleaner, more efficient alternatives.

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This course will help every potential singer or those who are just curious, learn about the how and why of their voices. We will learn about what the voice is and what makes it do what it does. We will use voice exercises to learn about why the voice “cracks”, why it gets tired and or “pitchy “when singing or what makes the throat hurt, how to sing high or low and the list goes on. When the students complete their week, they will have a much clearer understanding of how their voice functions and how to keep it healthy and growing. My students will learn: The fundamentals of how the voice functions, what is breath support, placement, resonance, volume and basic vocal anatomy and how does that help us to sing well.

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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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Using Light to Sustain Life: This course will contain lecture and laboratory components. Over five years we will discuss absorption and emission of light, illustrated by examples of natural and synthetic pigments, using light to produce clean energy, and application of light in innovative diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Each of the topics will be illustrated by experiments which students will perform in the lab. The course will combine elements of chemistry and photochemistry, energy science and medicine.

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Who Wants to be a Millionaire Mathematician? Dive into the weird, wonderful world of number theory, this summer! This course
will introduce students to the study of prime numbers, divisibility and modular arithmetic in a fun and collaborative environment. Together, we will investigate how number theory can be applied to algebra, geometry, and computer science through guided explorations, ruler-and-compass constructions, and simple proofs. We will learn about how prime numbers are used to keep our personal data safe online and how computers “think” in ones and zeroes. We will also explore what makes math an exact science and take a glimpse into collegiate mathematics. At the end of the course, we will talk about some of the important unsolved problems in mathematics and why solving one equation can earn you one million dollars. Join us as we discover how to become millionaire mathematicians!

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