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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 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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AI Lab: Train Your Own Smart Machine - A computer would deserve to be called intelligent if it could deceive a human into believing that it was human.” - Alan Turing Ever dreamed of teaching a computer to think? Now you can! Step into the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence, the same technology behind Netflix recommendations, TikTok filters, and voice assistants like Siri! In this hands-on, one-week course, middle school students will create their own smart projects while discovering how AI “learns” to recognize images, sounds, and movements. Using Google Teachable Machine, students will experiment with real AI tools, no coding required, just curiosity, imagination, and a love for discovery.

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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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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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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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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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CyberSafe is an interactive 15-hour course that introduces middle school students to the world of cybersecurity in a fun and engaging manner. Through this course, which is compiled with real-life examples, group activities, and online safety games, students will be able to learn how to protect their personal information, devices, and digital identity. The course will cover basic yet important topics such as password safety, phishing, malware, digital citizenship, and ethical online behavior. 

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Design Your Future City: An Introduction to Urban Planning & Development: What if  you  could design the next great city? In this creative, hands-on course, middle school students will step into the role of urban planners to imagine how communities grow, change, and thrive. Through fun activities and teamwork, students will explore how science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) shape everything from housing and parks to public transportation and green spaces. 

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Design Your Own Video Game: Making games is even more fun than playing them! Ever dreamed of creating your own video game? Now you can! Step into the world of game design and programming, where creativity meets technology. In this hands-on, one-week course, middle school students will use Scratch and Construct 3 to build interactive games inspired by classics like Flappy Bird, Pac-Man, and Geometry Dash. Along the way, they’ll learn real programming skills while developing problem-solving, logic, and design creativity. Students will explore how games work—learning how loops, variables, and conditions create challenges, movement, and scoring systems. Each day introduces new tools and techniques that build toward their final project: a fully playable game they can proudly share. 

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Designing with Purpose: A Hands-On Journey of UX Design & Creative AI: Have you ever used an app that made you want to give up halfway? That kind of frustration is exactly what good User Experience (UX) Design works to prevent, by making technology simple, helpful, and human. In this hands-on STEM course, students will explore the world of UX design and discover how creativity and AI can come together to solve real problems. Students will begin by learning what makes good design “feel right.” Through fun activities, they’ll explore Don Norman’s seven fundamental design principles like visibility, feedback, affordance, and mapping and so on and see how these ideas make everyday apps easier to use. They’ll then choose a problem to solve, think deeply about who their users are, and design with empathy by creating user personas and sketching low-fidelity app screens. Next, they’ll bring their ideas to life using AI-assisted design tools such as Lovable, Uizard, or Canva Magic Design.

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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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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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Every one of us has either been the person or heard someone ask, “When will I ever use this?” during a math class. For this course, students will be given a series of different math activities that show a subtle way of how math can be applied to real-world concepts like budgeting, natural disasters, health issues, discrimination, etc.

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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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Generative AI in Action: Creativity, Responsibility, and the Future of STEAM: Do you want to explore the world of generative AI?  Ever wondered how generative AI can write music, paint pictures, design inventions, or even be a thought partner for you? In this hands-on one-week course, you’ll see where art, science, and technology come together through generative AI.

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Intro to Acting: This course is designed to provide a beginning working knowledge of the acting process and is intended for the beginning actor with little to no experience. Through exercises, theatre games, analysis, self-exploration, and improvisation, the student will build a foundational understanding of basic acting tools. As acting is a process that requires a thorough knowledge of the actor's instrument, we will explore both the inner and outer terrain of the actor (physical, mental, and emotional).

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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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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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Music Production - Middle School: 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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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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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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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 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 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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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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