Does your child enjoy exploring the great outdoors or helping dad fix the family car? Maybe there's a future Emily Dickinson or budding scientist in your midst. Whatever your child's interest, chances are they'll find it at the Summer Career Academies. All academies are taught in an active, hands-on style by qualified, professional instructors.
Academies will run June 22-July 31, 2009 at four great locations:
CAT Pickering (CATP): Directions
CCIU Educational Service Center (CCIU): Directions
Stetson Middle School (STSN): Directions
Technical College High School (TCHS):
Directions
Two for One Offer $150
If you like math and science and love hands-on activities, we have a special Academy offer for you! Students will get two academies for the price of one. Students who enroll in
Applied Engineering Technology and
Electronic Systems Technology will pay only $150 for BOTH academies. Full course descriptions are listed below. This is the ideal opportunity for students with an interest in engineering and how things work. This two-for-one Academy offer is being held at the Technical College.
To view the full academy description, click on the academy name or scroll down:
Animal Science
Applied Engineering Technology
Aquatic Studies/Fishing
Auto Mechanics and Collision Technology
Cosmetology I & II
Creative Writing
Culinary Arts
Electronic Systems Technology
Environmental Studies
Game Design
GETTbotics for Girls
Hands-On Science
Investigative Criminal Sciences
Journalism
Lego Robotics
Study & Organizational Skills – Chart Your Course
Solar Power Technology & Design
Web Design
Web Sites on a Dime
Wiring for Phone, TV & Computers
Full Academy Descriptions
Do you love animals? If so, this is the academy for you! You’ll learn health care basics, grooming techniques, and positive reinforcement training of companion animals. Murphy the “Wonder Dog” will pay a visit to explain specific breed traits, and you’ll enjoy grooming and caring for feline friend Leo. Rehabilitating animals and their handlers will also visit.
Location/Dates/Time:
CATP, 7/20-7/24, 11:30-1:30
Entering Grades: 6-9
Cost: $150
Engineers design almost everything that we use today. There are many kinds of engineers, including: electrical, mechanical, and robotics engineers. In AET this summer, you will find out what they do and how they do it. Every day you will do experiments in electronics and mechanics, like making a generator that lights a bulb. It will be fast, fun, and safe! You will also discover what a digital multi-meter is and how an oscilloscope works. Students will also learn about the dual-enrollment engineering degree pathway at Delaware County Community College.
Location/Dates/Time:
TCHS, 7/20-7/24, 9:00-11:00
Entering Grades: 6-9
Cost: $75
Experienced fishermen and those new to the sport will enjoy this outdoor academy! Each day will find the students fishing in a new situation, such as a pond, a lake, stream side, and the ocean. Students will also take a fishing trip by canoe, down the Brandywine River. The bus leaves promptly at 9:30 AM each day.
Location/Dates/Time:
CCIU, 7/06–7/10, 9:30-3:30
CCIU, 7/13–7/17, 9:30-3:30
CCIU, 7/20–7/24, 9:30-3:30
CCIU, 7/27–7/31, 9:30-3:30
Entering Grades: 6-8
Cost: $260
You’ll become experienced in the basics of car maintenance and repair inside a real auto shop with automobile tools and diagnostic machines. Find out more about the importance of fluids, fuses, lights, tires, belts and hoses. Learn about welding, metal and plastic repair, spray gun painting, and refinishing techniques. With parent approval, you may bring a go-cart, bike, skateboard or snowboard to paint.
Location/Dates/Time:
CATP, 7/20-7/24, 11:30-1:30
TCHS, 7/20-7/24, 11:30-1:30
Entering Grades: 6-9
Cost: $150
Learn to care for your hair, skin and nails. Learn useful tricks of the trade, such as: simple braiding techniques, blow drying and curling hair, facials, make-up, manicuring and nail art - all while having fun working on yourself and friends. Learn what it takes to be a hair stylist and salon owner.
Location/Dates/Time:
TCHS, 7/20-7/24, 11:30-1:30
CATP, 7/20-7/24, 11:30-1:30
Entering Grades: 6-9
Cost: $150
Do you love to write or just want to strengthen your writing skills? This academy will explore a variety of writing styles, as well as provide the opportunity to compose, present and publish your work. This academy integrates music, art and literature to inspire students to find their writing voice and take it to the next level.
Location/Dates/Time:
CATP, 7/20-7/24, 9:00-11:00 & 11:30-1:30
STSN, 7/27-7/31, 9:00-11:00 & 11:30-1:30
Entering Grades: 5-8
Cost: $150
Are you the next Top Chef? You'll never know until you try, and this academy is the place to start! Practice your culinary skills and learn the basics of cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and culinary creations. You will compile and take home a recipe book of your creations. The food industry is the second largest employment field in America, which includes careers from chefs to food critics. Come laugh, learn and explore the world of culinary arts.
Location/Dates/Time:
>CATP, 7/20-7/24, 9:00-11:00
STSN, 7/27-7/31, 9:00-11:00
TCHS, 7/20-7/24, 11:30-1:30
Entering Grades: 5-8
Cost: $150
TV – Radio – Car – Computer – Space Shuttle – Calculator
What do all of these have in common? Without electronic systems, they wouldn’t work! In this academy, you'll learn about electronic systems, transistors, resistors, and other electronic parts, as well as do some soldering and even make a battery-operated “insanity alarm.” Every day you will perform electrical experiments that are safe and fun. You will also learn why a mistake that Benjamin Franklin made still drives us crazy today!
Location/Dates/Time:
TCHS, 7/20-7/24, 11:30-1:30
Entering Grades: 6-9
Cost: $150
Let’s GO GREEN together and have fun doing it. This two-week Evergreen Foundation-sponsored academy visits and explores environmental-based organizations, water studies and recycling. Most sites are within 15-minutes of the CCIU in Downingtown. Students will go on an overnight camping trip.
Location/Dates/Time:
CCIU, 6/22-7/2, 9:30-3:30
Entering Grades: 6-8
Cost: $150
Don’t just play games, MAKE them! Using a programming language, you will learn to create interactive stories, animations, art, music and games to share. You will use a free game design program, to create your own dynamic game while learning the importance of mathematical and computational design. Students and parents are required to complete Internet Use Contracts prior to the start of class.
Location/Dates/Time:
CCIU, 7/20-7/24, 9:00-11:00
STSN, 7/27-7/31, 11:30-1:30
TCHS, 7/20-7/24, 11:30-1:30
Entering Grades: 6-9
Cost: $150
Girls will build and program LEGO Mindstorm Robots and learn about exciting careers in the engineering field. Funding for this class is provided by the Innovative Technology Action Group, an industry partnership sponsored by the Chester County Economic Development Council.
Location/Dates/Time:
CATP, 7/20-7/24, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Entering Grades: 7-12
Cost: Free
Join the fun with exciting experiments, demonstrations, and chemical reactions as you discover the properties of solids, gases, magnetism and electricity. Become a science detective and autopsy a squid.
Location/Dates/Time:
TCHS, 7/20-7/24, 9:00-11:00
Entering Grades: 5-8
Cost: $150
Let’s solve a mystery! Learn to conduct surveillance operations, finger print and gather evidence. Students will solve a “real” mystery using the acquired skills. The Academy will enhance the student's understanding and provide a foundation for a possible career in criminal science.
Location/Dates/Time:
STSN, 7/27-7/31, 11:30-1:30
Entering Grades: 6-9
Cost: $150
Learn the ins and outs of editing and publishing a newspaper. In this four-day academy, students will work side-by-side with the editors of KIDS Magazine to write and publish the summer issue of KIDS. The student-written articles will be given a byline. Assignments will differ for new and returning students.
Location/Dates/Time:
CCIU, 6/29-7/2, 8:30-11:30 Monday-Wednesday, 8:30-3:00 Thursday
Entering Grades: 5-8
Cost: $170
Using LEGO Mindstorms robotic kits, students will build and program robots. Face exciting new challenges as you investigate many robotics components, including: mechanical and software design, problem solving, and teamwork.
Location/Dates/Time:
STSN, 7/27-7/31, 9:00-11:00
Entering Grades: 7-8
Cost: $150
Learn about the amazing technology of solar power in this academy. Imagine designing a system to supply your house with electrical energy generated by the Sun. Be a pioneer in this fast growing industry and combine environmental and electrical engineering to design your own solar photovoltaic (PV) system model.
Location/Dates/Time:
CATP, 7/20-7/24, 11:30-1:30
Entering Grades: 6-9
Cost: $150
This program is an opportunity for students and their parents to obtain assistance in dealing with young adult organizational and study skills challenges, such as: test taking, note taking, time management, and study space. The Chart Your Course mission is to empower students with organizational strategies to navigate their life-long journey. Students will receive a course workbook, textbook and additional resources.
Location/Dates/Time:
CATP, 7/20-7/24, 9:00-11:00 or 11:30-1:30
STSN, 7/27-7/31, 9:00-11:00 or 11:30-1:30
Entering Grades: 6-8
Cost: $200
Students explore the world of Web design as they complete their own Web site. The basics of HTML code - the language of the Internet - will be introduced. Students will be taught the basic principles of design, including: adding graphics, dynamic components, and sound to their Web site. The end result will be a Web site worthy of publishing with parental consent. Students and parents are required to complete Internet Use Contracts prior to the start of class.
Location/Dates/Time:
CCIU, 7/20-7/24, 11:30-1:30
Entering Grades: 6-9
Cost: $150
Students learn to design a fully-functional, interactive Web site complete with dynamic java effects, graphics, interactivity, games, animation, and sounds – all using free open-source software including – Nview, Notepad, GMP, Paint, Audacity and Pivot. The end result will be a Web site worthy of publishing with parental consent. This academy is a PC Windows-based class. Students and parents are required to complete Internet Use Contracts prior to the start of class.
Location/Dates/Time:
STSN, 7/27-7/31, 9:00-11:00
Entering Grades: 6-9
Cost: $150
Workforce Investment Act Scholarships
A limited number of Workforce Investment Act (WIA) federal scholarships are available to eligible students. To qualify for WIA Scholarships, which are managed by the Chester County Council for the Workforce of Tomorrow, applicants must meet federal eligibility requirements:
- Age 14- 21
- Proof of US Citizenship
- Economically disadvantaged, and
- Barrier to employment
To set up an appointment to determine eligibility, contact the Youth Coordinator, Chester County Department of Community Development, at 610-344-6900.
What students have to say about their experience at the Summer Career Academies:
- “I liked solving the mystery and hand cuffing, and how to set up security cameras.”
- Student in Investigative Police Sciences
- “I liked making the food and eating it, how to set a table and how a restaurant should run. Yes, I would recommend Culinary Academy to a friend.”
- “I learned about HTML and how web sites are made. Web development is awesome!”
- Student in Computer Technology
- “I learned how to check compression, vacuum and the battery. I had fun lifting the Chevy and going under it on the creeper.”
- Student in Automotive Technology
- “I liked learning about all the different ways to do make-up, manicures, facials and hair. It was so much fun.”
