Learning: Pre-college Summer Program Offerings

2D Art Studio

Session 1

Session 2

Work with faculty from the Department of Art, Media, Performance and Design to learn how to create artwork using across multiple mediums such as painting, illustration and printmaking. Partake in a hands-on tactile creative studio experience in the most inspirational art facility in the region. The projects will be showcased in the Reynolds Gallery at the end of the Institute.

3D Art and Animation

Session 1

Step into the exciting world of creating 3D artwork and animations to bring your ideas to life! This is your chance to create your own superhero, villain, or even creature from another dimension, all while learning the fundamentals of visual storytelling and 3D art production.

Arte Tridimensional y Animación

Session 2

¡Adéntrate en el apasionante mundo del arte digital 3D y la animación y da vida a tus ideas! Esta es tu oportunidad para crear tu propio superhéroe, villano o incluso criatura de otra dimensión, todo mientras aprendes los fundamentos de la narrativa visual y la producción de arte en 3D.

Blogs, Vlogs, Podcasts and Reels

Session 1

What makes a popular blog or vlog? How do reels and podcasts go viral? Students in this program develop skills to create entertaining, informative and concise reports on the daily activities of the Summer Institute. During their time together, students practice writing professionally for the 21st Century, which includes a multimodal approach on blogs, vlogs, podcasts, and reels.

Ceramics Studio

Session 1

Session 2

Work with faculty from the Department of Art, Media, Performance and Design to create pottery and sculptures out of clay. Students will learn wheel throwing, hand building and other techniques. They will also take part in a kiln firing. This will be a hands-on tactile creative studio experience in the most inspirational art facility in the region.

Choir

Session 2

We invite singing high school students to cultivate their musicianship and ensemble skills through daily choral rehearsals and workshops. Friends and family are invited to join us for a final performance at the end of the two-week session.

Creating Media

Work with faculty from the innovative Media X program to learn how to make movies, podcasts and more in our studios and digital media labs. The projects will be showcased in the X-Space at the end of the Summer Institute.

Creative Writing and Storytelling

Session 2

In this two-week educational journey, we will immerse ourselves in and learn about the power of imagination, creativity and storytelling. Whether through poetry or novels, music or spoken word, Superbowl commercials or political speeches, fiction or nonfiction, good storytelling shapes the way we see the world.

Instrumental Music

Session 2

String, woodwind, brass, and percussion musicians will learn in an immersive program that includes ensemble, instrument-specific masterclasses and lessons, and related topics including composition, improvisation and conducting. Ensemble music will be flexible in instrumentation, designed around the students registered for the Summer Institute.

Jazz

Session 2

The purpose of this program is to give high school musicians the opportunity to develop skills in the area of jazz through big band and small group performance as well as instrument specific masterclasses. Friends and family are invited to join us for a final performance at the end of the two-week session.

Music Industry

Session 1

Explore the world of sound design, recording, publishing, licensing and other dimensions that drive America's $900 billion creative sector economy. The music industry program is based at Pacific's recording studios and taught by the university's renowned Conservatory of Music faculty.

Musical Theatre Workshop & Showcase

Session 2

The Musical Theatre Workshop is an intensive program that focuses on training the singer-actor. Participants will work with Pacific's Conservatory faculty, integrating musical, dramatic and dance techniques. The workshop will culminate with a showcase-style performance for friends, family and the entire Summer Institute community.

Piano

Session 2

Entry-level and developing pianists are invited to explore the possibilities of the piano. In working with each pianist, we'll cover musicianship, technique and healthy approaches to playing, practice habits, memorizing, nerves and ensemble playing.

Writing and Publishing Your Novel

Session 1

In a program that covers novel writing from concept to publication, you will learn to craft your characters, create the world they live in and construct plots that keep readers hooked. The program also covers the business end of publishing: how to get an agent and publisher or how to self-publish, and how to market your work. Students work closely with other talented students and visiting published novelists to form a supportive writing community.

Biology of Cities

Session 1

Urban environments are expanding rapidly. Nearly 5 billion people worldwide and over 80% of Americans now live in cities. Get hands-on experience conducting biological science in an urban environment by using the Stockton Campus as a petri dish to collect and analyze animal behavior data. Students can continue their research after the Summer Institute by participating in a citizen science program.

Design and Synthesis of Anticancer Drugs

Session 2

Cancer is constantly evolving. It is critical that new generations of anti-cancer medicines are designed, tested and synthetized—first in labs and then pharmaceutical factories. Students in this program will gain hands-on lab skills for designing and synthesizing molecules that are effective and efficient in treating cancer and will use state-of-the-art glassware, instruments and software in a chemistry laboratory setting.

Exploring the Human Body

Session 1

Session 2

Integrate the structure and mechanisms of the body to see how it works and how health problems arise. Conduct dissections, use digital 3D models, physical models and run physiological experiments to answer questions such as what happens when one kicks a ball or when one has a heart attack.

Finding a Cure for Cancer

Session 1

Join our biochemists in their labs as you work alongside them to find a cure for cancer. Learn how to design and perform experiments that will create new drugs and delivery systems to combat disease.

Future Dentists

Session 2

Gain insight and explore a rewarding career in dentistry. Learn from dentists, alumni and staff from the world-renowned Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. During your Stockton residency and excursions to the Dugoni School on the San Francisco Campus, you'll participate in team-building exercises, clinical shadowing experiences, hands-on clinical simulations and more to gain confidence and tools to prepare for college and apply to dental school.

Future Pharmacists

Session 1

Session 2

Work side-by-side with research scientists, professors and pharmacists from the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy to design research experiments, learn vaccination techniques, participate in a pharmacy-themed escape room and respond to a simulated cardiac code blue.

Healthcare Professions

Session 1

The health care industry is the fastest growing employment sector. Explore the many options available in this dynamic field through hands-on experiences that will introduce students to careers in nursing, audiology, physical therapy and more.

Healthcare Professions

Session 1

The health care industry is the fastest growing employment sector. Explore the many options available in this dynamic field through hands-on experiences that will introduce students to careers in nursing, audiology, physical therapy and more.

Medical Microbiology

Session 1

Look to the soil around us for antibiotic producing microbes. Get your hands dirty with sterile techniqu and growth inhibition to understand where our most important medicines come from.

Plant Biodiversity

Session 2

Following in the footsteps of Professors Snape and Sprout, students in this biology program learn about plants from a faculty member with over 35 years of experience in botany. The program explores how plants are structured, how they function and their diversity and relationships through studying museum collections, online databases and mapping tools. On-campus field trips take place throughout the program.

Spanish for the Health Professions

Session 1

Improve your speaking and comprehension skills in Spanish while developing the cultural knowledge that is critical to becoming a better healthcare provider to your future patients. The course is designed to prepare health professionals across disciplines (speech and language pathology, physician assistant, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, etc.) to effectively communicate with Spanish-speaking patients in hospitals and clinics.

The Science and Practice of Fitness

Session 1

Session 2

Discover the science behind fitness and performance in our interactive exercise testing and training course. Get ready to move during this hands-on experience where you will get to assess your own fitness, design a personalized exercise plan and explore innovative techniques to boost your health. Whether you're passionate about sports and wellness or just want to improve your strength and endurance, this course will give you the tools to unlock your potential and live your best, healthiest life.

3D Modeling and Printing

Session 1

Session 2

Learn how to bring your designs to life with our 3D modeling course. Whether you're a beginner or experienced designer, our expert instructors will guide you through the process of creating high-quality 3D models using industry-standard software. You'll learn about different modeling techniques, materials and textures—giving you the skills to create your own unique models and take your printing projects to the next level.

Building Electrical Circuits and Computers

Session 1

Session 2

Computing, communication and control systems are the heart of today’s high-tech industries and the designs of these sophisticated systems are all based on a few fundamental concepts in electrical and computer engineering. This action-packed two-week course introduces students to building circuits and computers with some light theory, a lot of experimentation and a touch of coding and simulations.

Building Smart Devices

Session 1

Session 2

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of building and programming smart devices that connect and communicate wirelessly. Students dive into the exciting world of smart device development using Arduino or Raspberry Pi microcontrollers, unleashing their creativity to build innovative devices.

Cell Phone App Development

Session 1

Did you ever want to build an app for your cell phone but didn't know where to start? Our Cell Phone App Development program is designed for beginner app developers. No prior experience needed—just curiosity and interest. During the course, we'll walk you step-by-step towards creating your own Android and iOS cell phone apps.

Coding

Session 1

Session 2

Learn to write computer code in the Python programming language. Topics include variables and expressions, branches and loops.  Students develop algorithmic and computational thinking and the skills needed to design and code a solution to a proposed problem.

Computer Drawing and Drafting

Session 1

Session 2

Work in the computer lab using sophisticated computer graphing programs (AutoCAD) that are used in all areas of engineering and architecture. Communicating graphically is critical in engineering and architecture and this opportunity will provide you with the skills to communicate your ideas in complex graphics.

Cybersecurity

Session 1

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when we scroll through TikTok or order our favorite food through DoorDash? Our digital adventures make us potential targets for cybercriminals. Cybersecurity is an exciting field that protects the online world from cyber threats. These professionals are digital superheroes trusted to protect individuals, organizations and even nations from attacks. In this course, students will learn about the various ways that cybercriminals can try to attack and how we can defend against them. Students will also gain hands-on experience in Python by creating cybersecurity applications and tools.

Data Science

Session 2

Explore the artificial intelligence revolution and learn the foundations of this incredible technology. Students will learn programming skills in Python and create computer systems that can recognize complex patterns in different types of data.

Drone Flying

Session 1

Session 2

Drones have exploded in popularity in the past few years as they are rapidly becoming a valuable tool in a variety of industries such as journalism, agriculture, entertainment, construction, mapping, delivery, security and surveillance. In this course, students will learn how to build and fly a drone. Students will learn about Federal Aviation Authority regulations and take the Recreation UAS Safety Test.

Entrepreneurship & Technology Design

Session 1

Learn practical techniques for conceptualizing, articulating and assessing innovative and entrepreneurial solutions and apply these techniques to your own ideas to create a pitch and business plan.

Game Design & Development

Session 1

This fast-paced “learn-by-doing” game design camp will teach students how to think about game mechanics and player behavior as they create a game that will be played at the end of the course. Along the way, we will discuss the nature of the video game industry, roles within game design teams and the life of a game designer.

Mobile Robotics

Session 1

The field of mobile robotics is rapidly evolving, with companies using the technology everywhere from vacuuming cleaning robots to self-driving cars. Students will get an introduction to this exciting technology by learning the basic electronics and programming used to make robots move and sense where to go.

Virtual Reality and Immersive Design

Session 2

Dive into the exciting world of Virtual Reality and Immersive Design! Through hands-on workshops, students learn the fundamentals of creating engaging VR experiences, from understanding 3D environments to designing interactive elements that bring stories to life. Students explore immersive tools and technologies, develop basic visual scripting and design skills and gain insights into how Virtual Reality is transforming fields like gaming, education and healthcare.

Be a Lawyer in Court

Session 2

In this unique, immersive two-week program, students will learn about case analysis, direct and cross examination, admitting and using exhibits, and delivering opening statements and closing arguments, guided by experienced McGeorge School of Law faculty and aided by members of the nationally ranked McGeorge Mock Trial Team.

Be an Influencer

Session 1

Learn what it really takes to become a successful social media influencer or content creator. Topics will include finding a niche, building an audience and maintaining consistency. Students will learn the ins and outs of various online platforms and experiment with content creation tools.

Become the Best Teacher or Coach

Session 1

Session 2

What makes a great teacher or coach? It starts with passion. If you can bring the passion, we'll bring the rest. Join us for two weeks of interactive skill development that will combine your passion with real-world strategies to hone leadership, build motivation and foster creativity to build an inclusive culture among students, athletes and the community.

Building Your Own Business

Session 1

Entrepreneurial students in this program learn the building blocks to create a business by using design techniques and shared language for describing, visualizing, and assessing a business model. Students work in teams to create a business and learn how to pitch what they created to potential investors.

Competitive Debate

Session 1

Session 2

Learn to execute the skills and strategies of competitive debate from coaches and college students who lead Pacific’s speech and debate team, which has finished in the Top 10 nationally for seven consecutive years.

eSports

Session 1

Session 2

Follow your passion for competitive gaming to learn more about the $160 billion eSport industry. Participants will improve gameplay by focusing on individual and teamwork skills while also learning about various careers and business models in this exciting field.

Investing in Stocks

Session 1

Session 2

Discover how to make smart investment decisions. This program will take students from investment fundamentals to actual investment trades on the stock exchanges through the Eberhardt Student Investment Fund, a signature program of Pacific's Eberhardt School of Business.

Lawyers and the Rule of Law

Session 1

In this unique, immersive two-week program, students will learn about the law and legal careers, guided by experienced faculty and aided by JD and other students from the McGeorge School of Law.

Leadership for Women

Session 2

Explore how to be an effective leader through workshops and one-on-one sessions with top professors from the Eberhardt School of Business, alumni and community leaders, to build leadership and communication skills. Participants will prepare business case projects and design and run a conference to share they have learned.

Police Cadet Academy

Session 1

Learn about working in the criminal justice field through this Police Cadet Academy course. Participants will learn about criminal laws, vehicle codes, radio codes, safe driving and procedural justice while actively participating in self-defense and physical training (PT). Actual police officers and academy trainers will teach these learn-by-doing courses.

Sports Analytics

Session 2

Explore the fast-growing world of sports analytics. Learn how data is changing the landscape of athletics by learning about this $300 billion industry. Topics include individual and team performance analytics, sports management and contract negotiations.

Taking Control of Your Financial Future

Session 1

Budget your money, build your wealth, learn to invest, understand life insurance, navigate retirement savings and more. You will learn how to budget and plan your expenses and begin saving thousands of dollars every year by cutting out certain expenses.

Baseball Skills and Tactics

Session 1

Session 2

Lace up your spikes and learn elite baseball skills with nationally known baseball coaches. Take your game to the next level and learn about pitching, hitting, fielding and baserunning.

Basketball Skills Academy

Session 1

Session 2

Join our Pacific basketball coaches this summer to improve your fundamental skill set and develop new skills to progress your game to the next level. In this program we offer position-specific and general skill instruction, as well as developing the triple threat of performance mindset, leadership and understanding of the game.

Beach Volleyball

Session 2

Learn beach volleyball in an engaging and welcoming atmosphere where high school athletes of all levels can experience the sport in an outdoor setting. Students enhance their game while enjoying the unique challenges and strategies that come with beach volleyball, building confidence and a love for the sport.

Chess Strategy and Tactics

Session 1

Playing chess enhances memory, numerical and problem-solving skills and improves logical thinking. Learn from international masters and the best chess coaches in Northern California about the hottest openings and must-know endgames and improve your strategic and tactics chess skills.

Golf Swing Analysis and Course Management

Session 1

Come hit the links and learn how to put your golf game on par. Our expert coaches will focus on swing mechanics, short-game skills and course management.

Soccer Skills and Tactics

Session 1

Session 2

Join our nationally recognized soccer coaches to gain insights on how to maximize your skills on the pitch. Raise your game and learn about position-specific skills, tactical formations and strategies.

Softball Skills and Tactics

Session 2

Acquire new skills from the winningest softball coach in Tiger softball program history. Take your game to the next level and learn about hitting, pitching, catching, defense and base running. The camp will also cover overall team practice as well as the academic component of softball.

Swim Camp

Session 1

The program offers stroke technique and conditioning for competitive and elite swimmers looking to improve their stroke technique, starts and turns and overall performance. Students will be coached by passionate and educated staff to elevate their love for swimming in a supportive environment.

Tennis Skills and Tactics

Session 1

Session 2

Grab your racket and join our elite-level tennis coaches at the beautiful Eve Zimmerman Tennis Center. Improve your forehand, backhand, serve and volley in this program.

Volleyball Skills and Tactics

Session 1

Session 2

Bump, Set, Spike! Hit the courts and the sand to develop and improve your volleyball skills. Join our highly decorated coaches and win the next point by focusing on serving, passing and attacking.

Water Polo Skills and Tactics

Session 2

Hop in the pool and learn from some of the most influential water polo coaches in the world. Improve your skills with a focus on shooting and passing and increase your overall knowledge of water polo tactics.