Session 4: July 20-24, 2026   

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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"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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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 middle age students to the concepts of legal reasoning and argument in a fun and engaging platform.

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SAT Test Prep Course: SESSION 4 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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SAT Test Prep Course: SESSION 5 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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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 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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