The 2021 Summer Academies will be offered entirely online. We have an exciting lineup of courses taught by Sacramento State professors and industry professionals. Please take a look at the course descriptions and schedule.

And remember: we hope to be back on campus for 2022.

Thank you to US Bank for their ongoing support for youth programs. 

Register here beginning March 1.

Here are the online academies for 2021:

Coding

July 26 - 30, 1 - 5 p.m.

Cost: $205

Learn the basics of computer programming: how do you tell a computer to do math, how does a computer make decisions or multi-task? Students will see their logic and reasoning come alive on the screen. The Coding Academy provides a solid understanding of how programming languages are used to build applications. A wide variety of industries – from information technology to science and the arts – depend extensively on professionals with coding and computer science skills. This online course will set students on an exciting path to being a computer scientist.

The course will use Flowgorithm to teach basic concepts and then advance to Java and other languages. Students will need a computer, and a webcam is recommended to access the course and participate in class activities. 

Instructor: Professor Devin Cook from Sacramento State’s Computer Science Department

Cyber Security

June 28 - July 2, 1 – 5 p.m.

Cost: $205

Explore vulnerabilities in the cyber world, the threats posed by hackers and how we should protect and defend ourselves against cyber attacks. The Cyber Security Academy is going to be an interesting and inspiring online course.

“I’ve accumulated rich experience teaching online, and I look forward to teaching high school students once again this summer.” – Jun Dai, Sacramento State Professor

Students will get to know the fundamentals of popular network services and see how they can be hacked and leveraged by attackers based on concrete demonstrations. Students will see how cyber security works, gain valuable hands-on experience and have a lot of fun in this class.     

Students will need a computer, and a webcam is recommended to access the course and participate in class activities. 

Instructor: Professor Jun Dai from Sacramento State’s Computer Science Department

Data Science

July 19 - 23, 1 – 5 p.m.

Cost:$205

How is digital information from our daily lives, from retail purchases to doctor’s appointments, being stored and ultimately used? In the Data Science Academy students will explore data science as a new occupation, a profession that uses data to understand or influence people’s behavior. Students will learn the essential stages of data science, how data is collected, the tools used to cleanse data, the use of statistics and algorithms and the role of data visualization. During this online course, students will also use a sociological lens to explore how our increasingly digital lifestyle changes our world.

Students will need a computer, and a webcam is recommended to access the course and participate in class activities. 

Instructor: Professor Anna Baynes from Sacramento State’s Computer Science Department

Digital Forensics

June 28 - July 2, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Cost: $205

The rapid development of information technology (IT) has increased the need for digital forensics. Digital devices such as computers and mobile phones are commonly used for crimes now. Law enforcement, enterprise networks, attorneys and private investigators depend on digital forensics professionals to investigate criminal and civil cases. The Digital Forensics Academy will expose students to the techniques and tools used in digital forensics.

“I look forward to starting this practical and fun journey with our new digital investigators!” - Xiaoyan (Sherry) Sun, Sacramento State Professor

The online class will be a combination of digital forensics principles and hands-on practices.

Professor Xiaoyan (Sherry) Sun, who’s leading the academy, has taught online digital forensics classes at both the undergraduate and graduate level. “Together, let’s explore the fascinating world of digital forensics, analyze digital evidence, recover deleted data, and learn how to hide and reveal secret messages.”

Students will need a USB drive that is 2 GB or smaller (500 MB or 1 GB works better), plus a computer, and a webcam is recommended to access the course and participate in class activities. 

Instructor: Professor Xiaoyan (Sherry) Sun from Sacramento State’s Computer Science Department

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

July 12 - 16, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Cost: $205

What does it mean to be an entrepreneur? The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Academy will provide valuable insights into what it takes to turn a great idea into a reality. Students will brainstorm ideas in our “new normal” environment, whether it’s a new service or smartphone app or something convenient for restaurants or retailers.

Students will work online individually or in groups, practice their pitches and receive professional coaching from local businesses. Virtual tours include Hacker Lab Sac and the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Sacramento State. As a final project, students will pitch their ideas in a friendly competition before a panel of judges and an audience via Zoom. 

Students will need a computer, and a webcam is recommended to access the course and participate in class activities.

Instructor: Haley Myers Dillon, director of Sacramento State’s Parents & Families Program, who also organizes the annual STRONG entrepreneurial competition for Sac State students

Exploring Careers in Design: Interior Design, Architecture, and Construction 

June 28 - July 2, 1 - 5 p.m.

Cost: $205

Curious about how buildings are designed and built? Discover how architecture, interior design and construction are interrelated. Learn about careers in all three fields and visit building construction sites.

Students will need a computer, and a webcam is recommended to access the course and participate in class activities. 

Instructor: Steve Jones, Design Tech: Interior Design Services

Exploring Careers with Artificial Intelligence Solutions

July 12 – 16, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Cost: $205

What do traffic cameras, social media, and the security features on your cell phone have in common?  Artificial Intelligence, or machine learning, is what powers many tools and services in our everyday lives.  This course introduces AI concepts and explores various careers that utilize AI services and solutions.

Students will need a computer, and a webcam is recommended to access the course and participate in class activities. 

Instructors: Dr. Deb Gates, Stuti Badoni & Dillon Marquard

Exploring Engineering Careers

July 12 - 16, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Cost: $205

This course introduces the various disciplines within the field of engineering​, with a focus on educational and career pathways for the different specializations within engineering. 

Students will need a computer, and a webcam is recommended to access the course and participate in class activities. 

Instructor: Professor Rustin Vogt from Sacramento State’s Mechanical Engineering Department

Future Teachers

June 21 - 25,  1- 5 p.m.

Cost: $205

The Future Teachers Academy is for students who are interested in exploring the field of education. Students will participate in workshops and hands-on activities, interact with school teachers and learn how to create and present a mini lesson.

Explore different teaching methods and instructional tools that meet the learning needs of children in face-to-face or virtual learning environments. In this online course, students will get a better understanding of the profession of teaching, what teachers do and the rewards and challenges that come with teaching. Students will also learn the process and procedures of becoming a teacher in California. See how teaching can change the world.

Students will need a computer, and a webcam is recommended to access the course and participate in class activities. 

Instructor: Professor Chia-Jung Chung, Sacramento State’s Department of Teaching Credentials (Educational Technology Instructor for Future Teachers)

Presentation Skills for College

July 26 - 30, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Cost: $150

If you thought a digital world could prevent you to having to speak in front of a group, we have some news for you…public speaking and presentations are still required, even if they now occur digitally. This course will cover what to include in a presentation, tips for improving delivery, what NOT to do and the opportunity to receive feedback in real time from peers and instructors. This course will help to develop these skills so that you will be successful in college.       

Students will need a computer, and a webcam is recommended to access the course and participate in class activities. 

Instructors: Professor Rustin Vogt from Sacramento State’s Mechanical Engineering Department and Kelly Siefkin, director of development at the College of Continuing Education and Sacramento State’s Alumni Association