2025 Summer Academies
Registration opens: Tue. April 1st, 2025
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June 10, 11, 12 | GLOBE Community Science Camp
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June 11 | SafeSitter 1
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June 11, 18, 25, July 9, 16, 23 | SCRUBS
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June 12 | Programming with Python
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June 16 | Intro to Robotics
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June 17, 18 | Culinary 1
(Middle School) -
June 17 | Diesel Tech
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June 17 | Fabric & Flair: Intro to Clothing Design & Construction
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June 17 | SafeSitter 2
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July 15 | Brain Skills for a Law Enforcement Officer
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July 15 | Space & Style
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July 16, 23 | CAD/3D Printing
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July 16 | HVAC
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July 17 | Cosmetology
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July 22 | Imagin-AI-tion Learning Lab
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July 23 | Welding
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July 24 | Cooking with Science
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July 29, 30 | Brand Builders: Marketing in Action
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July 29 Forge the Future
2025 Summer Academies
Registration opens: Tue. April 1st, 2025
We are excited to offer 29 career exploration Summer Academies to students 6th-12th grades.
Academies are typically one day programs designed to provide a unique opportunity for students to explore a variety of careers.
We believe in giving students options to make informed decisions about their future.
Local professionals will share their expertise and career journey.
With increasing interest in our free program, we ask that participants limit their selections to 3, and check their calendar before committing to academies.
Registration opens Tue. April 1st
Program Registration: Lottery System
(registration submission does NOT guarantee acceptance)
Admissions FAQ | Lottery
- No more waking up early worrying about having to be first in line to register! Registration will announced, open and available for several weeks. You will see the open dates on the event pages.Anyone (that falls within the correct age/grade) is able to register during that time.
- After the close of registration student names will be randomly selected for the programming that they registered for until the class list is full. Remaining students will be randomly selected for waiting list order. We will then contact the chosen participants. If we’re unable to receive confirmation of participation after three days we will move to the first person on the waitlist.
- Please keep in mind that if your student is registered for something and cannot make it, there are usually other students that want to come, so please let us know asap so we have the time to contact other students.
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June 10, 11, 12 | GLOBE Community Science Camp
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June 11 | SafeSitter 1
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June 11, 18, 25, July 9, 16, 23 | SCRUBS
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June 12 | Programming with Python
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June 16 | Intro to Robotics
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June 17, 18 | Culinary 1
(Middle School) -
June 17 | Diesel Tech
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June 17 | Fabric & Flair: Intro to Clothing Design & Construction
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June 17 | SafeSitter 2
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June 17, 18, 19 | STEAM Represent!
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June 18 | Fire & EMS
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June 18 | Rock Stars: An Intro to Geology
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June 24, 25 | Culinary 2
(High School) -
June 24 | Finance
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June 26 | Medical Expo
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July 8 , 9 | Construction
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July 8, 9, 10 | Farm to Table
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July 10, 17, 24, 31 | BYO-Boardgame
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July 15 | Automotive
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July 15 | Brain Skills for a Law Enforcement Officer
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July 15 | Space & Style
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July 16, 23 | CAD/3D Printing
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July 16 | HVAC
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July 17 | Cosmetology
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July 22 | Imagin-AI-tion Learning Lab
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July 23 | Welding
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July 24 | Cooking with Science
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July 29, 30 | Brand Builders: Marketing in Action
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July 29 Forge the Future
Registration
- Grades: 6-12
- Number students: 25
- Times: 9:00-3:00
(lunch included) - Location:
Welty Environmantal Center
1201 W. Big Hill Rd
Beloit
Partner:
Instructor:
T.B.A.
GLOBE Citizen Science Camp encourages students to connect with the outdoors by investigating the many spheres of the world: atmosphere (air and weather), pedosphere (soil), and hydrosphere (water).
Over the course of this week, campers will become citizen scientists and share their observations with NASA scientists through the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program.
This hands-on experience will demonstrate various STEM fields that students can pursue in the future.
Participants must be prepared to spend time outdoors (i.e., sunscreen, bug spray, long pants, close-toed shoes) and bring old shoes for use in the water as we will be exploring wetlands during this week as well!
- Age: 11-15
- Number students: 10
- Times: 8:30-3:15
(lunch included) - Location:
Hendricks CareerTek
Partners:
Instructors:
American Red Cross Staff
Courtney Urbanek
Designed to prepare students to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. The Instructor-led class is filled with fun games and role-playing exercises. Students even get to use mannequin to practice rescue skills like choking rescue!
SafeSitter registration form is required to be filled out by a parent prior to class starting. Please send this form to the academy with your child or email it ahead of time.
- Grades: 9-12
- Number students: 12
- Times: 9:00-12:00
- Location:
Blackhawk Technical College
Main Campus
6004 S. County Rd. G
Janesville
Partner:
Instructors:
Kristy Crocker
Kris Marklein
BTC utilizes a state-of-the-art simulation lab with medical and public safety scenarios to replicate real pre-hospital and clinical events.
This academy will provide for multiple interactive and hands-on experiences to allow students the opportunity to learn and practice skills in a controlled environment using life size robotic patient simulators.
The scope of information and practice provided to students, will range from infant to adult patient age groups and conditions. Simulations will have a realistic affect.
- Grades: 6-8
- Number students: 12
- Times: 9:00-3:00
(lunch provided) - Location:
Blackhawk Technical College
Main Campus
6004 S. County Rd. G
Janesville
Partner:
Instructor:
Melissa Dix
Students will hear a brief history of programming that includes Python, and will explore the way it is used in IoT (Internet of Things).
They will set up an environment of free interpreter software that can be used at home to further learning. They will write a simple program and then advance to more complicated scripting as time allows.
Students will leave with some resurces they can use to continue learning to program in Python on their own.
- Grades: 8-12
- Number students: 12
- Times: 9:00-12:00
- Location:
Morse Library
Beloit College
Partner:
Instructors:
Ted Wilder & TurtleTek Robotics Team
Get ready for the exciting world of robotics! Students will learn the full process of building and programming robots.
First, they’ll assemble a robot, putting together all the essential parts. Then, they’ll dive into the world of coding, programming the robot to perform tasks and follow commands. Finally, they will put their skills to the test by completing an awesome challenge seeing how well the robot can perform.
It’s a perfect mix of creativity, problem-solving, and fun!
- Grades: 6-8
- Number students: 12
- Times: 9:00-3:00
(lunch included) - Location:
Blackhawk Technical College
Main Campus
6004 S. County Rd. G
Janesville
Partner:
Instructor:
Chef Robert Patrick
Chef Hakim Salaam
Middle school students!
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and step into the world of cooking!
In this exciting summer academy, students will dive into the craft of culinary arts while creating delicious dishes that they will get to enjoy!
From learning kitchen basics, to mastering fun and creative recipes, students will have a hands-on experience in the kitchen that’s both educational and delicious.
- Grades: 8-12
- Number students: 10
- Times: 9:00-3:00
(lunch included) - Location:
Blackhawk Technical College
Main Campus
6004 S. County Rd. G
Janesville
Partner:
Instructor:
Steve Jones
Diesel technicians possess the necessary skills to become specialized mechanics in the construction, agriculture, and railway transportation sectors.
The Diesel academy offers students a glimpse into the daily life of a diesel technician, where they will engage in a brakes project involving one of our large diesel rigs.
REQUIREMENTS
- Closed toe shoes required, no sandals or Crocs etc.
- No loose clothes or hoodie strings that can get caught in moving parts
- Tie back long hair
- Safety glasses will be supplied but are required to be worn
- Grades: 9-12
- Number students: 15
- Times: 9:00-12:00
- Locations:
Hendricks Center Costume Shop
(Lower level)
Beloit College
Partner:
Instructor:
Shelbi Wilkin
Whether you’re new to fashion or already love it, this academy is for you!
Students will learn the basics of clothing design and how clothes are made. They will explore key design elements and learn basic sewing techniques culminating with a fun, Project Runway-style group challenge where they’ll showcase designs and creativity!
- Age: 11-15
- Number students: 10
- Times: 8:30-3:15
(lunch included) - Locations:
Hendricks CareerTek
Partners:
Instructors:
American Red Cross Staff
Courtney Urbanek
Designed to prepare students to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. The Instructor-led class is filled with fun games and role-playing exercises. Students even get to use mannequin to practice rescue skills like choking rescue!
SafeSitter registration form is required to be filled out by a parent prior to class starting. Please send this form to the academy with your child or email it ahead of time.
- Grades: 6-12
- Number students: 20
- Times: 9:00-3:00
(lunch included) - Location:
Welty Environmantal Center
1201 W. Big Hill Rd
Beloit
Partner:
Instructor:
T.B.A.
People are more likely to follow the footsteps of people they identify with.
Investigate many facets of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) through the lens of water science and meet role models of different backgrounds.
Over the course of this week, students will get their feet wet to collect chemistry and freshwater macroinvertebrate data to study causes and propose solutions to water quality issues.
They will also engage with local water scientists and learn more about these careers.
Students gain confidence in their science skills, learn more about the quality and health of the Rock River, and have a better understanding of how they can make a difference in their world.
Participants must bring old shoes for use in the water, a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for wet and dirty items as we will be exploring wetlands!
- Grades: 8-12
- Number students: 20
- Times: 9:00-3:00
(lunch included) - Location:
Blackhawk Technical College
Main Campus
6004 S. County Rd. G
Janesville
Partner:
Instructors:
Rob Balsamo
Students will be introduced to the Fire Fighters and EMS careers and what education is needed for these careers, and will practice skills related to Firefighting and EMS.
Activities include Airway management, bleeding control, searching for victims, using an extinguisher, putting out a car fire and more
- Grades: 9-12
- Number students: 20
- Times: 9:00-12:00
- Location:
Sanger Center for the Sciences
Beloit College
Partner:
Instructor:
Jay Zambito
Associate Professor of Geology
Get ready to explore the Earth beneath your feet!
This summer academy will introduce students to the fascinating world of geology, where they’ll learn how geologists, environmental scientists, and engineers study the planet to understand its history, structure, and natural processes.
Through engaging, interactive activities, they’ll discover how to identify minerals, rocks, and fossils while applying the scientific method to real-world challenges.
- Grades: 9-12
- Number students: 12
- Times: 9:00-3:00
(lunch included) - Location:
Blackhawk Technical College
Main Campus
6004 S. County Rd. G
Janesville
Partner:
Instructor:
Chef Robert Patrick
Chef Hakim Salaam
High school students, are you ready to take your cooking skills to the next level?
Join our culinary summer academy and master the craft of cooking and food preparation while creating delicious dishes you can actually enjoy!
This class is perfect for those who want to explore the world of culinary arts, learn new techniques, and have fun making meals from scratch.
Whether you’re a beginner or have some kitchen experience, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to become a pro in the kitchen.
REQUIREMENTS:
Closed toe shoes required, no sandals or Crocs etc.
- Grades: 9-12
- Number students: 15
- Times: 9:00-3:00 pm
(lunch included) - Location:
Hendricks CareerTek
Partner:
Instructor:
Francisca Reyna
Susan Day
Kelly Bosen
Now is the perfect time to take control of your finances and set yourself up for success!
In this summer academy, teenagers will learn the essential skills to manage money effectively and make informed financial decisions. From creating a realistic budget to setting achievable goals and building your savings, this course will provide you with the tools you need to succeed financially.
You’ll also discover how taxes, interest rates, and charitable donations impact your financial journey.
- Grades: 8-12
- Number students: 40
- Times: 9:00-2:00
(lunch included) - Location:
Hendricks CareerTek
Partners:
Students will spend the day with professionals from various parts of the medical field.
Hands-on activities will accompany each focus of healthcare including dental care, vet care, respiratory therapy, and more!
- Grades: 8-12
- Number students: 12
- Times: 9:00-12:00
- Location:
Hendricks CareerTek
Partner:
Instructor:
Will Davis
Students enrolled in the Construction Academy will spend their time learning about measurement, machine and tool safety, and building techniques used in construction. Students will learn how to properly use hand and power tools, techniques for assembling construction materials, and will be given a tour of an actual construction work site.
- Grades: 6-12
- Number students: 20
- Times: 9:00-3:00
(lunch included) - Location:
Welty Environmantal Center
1201 W. Big Hill Rd
Beloit
Partner:
Instructor:
Elle Schraufnagel
Madisen Wendrick
Pam Garland-Gjestson
Delve deep into where our food comes from!
Come to Welty to learn from professionals in different sectors of agriculture and food sciences.We will get our hands dirty learning all about soil and then clean up to make delicious food from our local resources.
Participants must be prepared to spend time outdoors (i.e., sunscreen, bug spray, long pants, close-toed shoes) and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated!
- Grades: 9-12
- Number students: 12
- Times: 9:00-12:00
- Location:
Hendricks CareerTek
Instructor:
Will Davis
Embark on a creative journey where imagination meets fabrication! In this hands-on course, you’ll delve into the exciting world of board game design and bring your unique vision to life. Through a blend of traditional game design principles and cutting-edge digital fabrication techniques, you’ll learn to conceptualize, design, and build your very own playable board game.
During this summer academy, students will use CAD to create precise 2D and 3D models of game components, game pieces, and game boards. Using a CAM software, they will learn how to translate CAD designs into machine readable instructions. Students will also be given instruction and training on a CNC router and Laser Cutter. This will allow students to precisely cut, mark and shape game board pieces and components from various materials. Finally, students will explore various types of materials and how they can be used in their designs. Once all pieces are machined, students will learn techniques for finishing and assembling their game boards and pieces.
- Grades: 8-12
- Number students: 10
- Times: 9:00-3:00
(lunch provided) - Location:
Blackhawk Technical College
Main Campus
6004 S. County Rd. G
Janesville
Partner:
Instructor:
Julio Negron
Students will have fun collabrating as they perform critical thinking to solve problems using diagnostic techniques.
They will become familiar with tools and equipment that are used in the automotive industry, and will experience fun, hands-on activities. Student teams will compete to rotate tires in a specific order with each student taking a tire off and remounting the tire in a different position on the vehicle.
Using a scan tool, students will retrieve an engine code from a vihicle and diagnose the code. Student will receive a tour of an Electric Vehicle build and take a ride in the high torque, tire spinning vehicle as it rolls around the track
REQUIREMENTS:
- Closed toe shoes required, no sandals or Crocs etc.
- No loose clothes or hoodie strings that can get caught in moving parts.
- Tie back long hair.
- Grades: 7-12
- Number students: 15
- Times: 9:00-3:00
(lunch included) - Location:
Blackhawk Technical College
Main Campus
6004 S. County Rd. G
Janesville
Partner:
Instructor:
Troy Egger
The activities will be designed to show students a more in-depth view of what skills are needed to be a law enforcement officers.
While many people see officers driving squad cars and performing other tactical skills, it is the critical thinking, decision making, observation skills, and creative problem solving that are the skills most often used by modern day law enforcement officers.
REQUIREMENTS:
Closed toe shoes required, no sandals or Crocs etc.
- Grades: 9-12
- Number students: 12
- Times: 9:00-3:00
(lunch provided) - Location:
Hendricks CareerTek
Partner:
Instructor:
Sandy Harshaw
Danielle Nelson
Kelly Bosen
If you’ve ever wondered how to transform a room into a stylish and functional space, this summer academy is for you!
Students will learn the basics of interior design, from creating the perfect room layout to crafting a vision board that reflects a unique style.
Dive into key design elements like color, texture, and pattern, and discover how to tie all these elements together to create a harmonious and stunning space.
Whether you’re considering a career in design or just want to learn more, this academy will help you see how to turn any space into something special.
- Grades: 9-12
- Number students: 12
- Times: 9:00-3:00
(lunch included) - Location:
Blackhawk Technical College
Main Campus
6004 S. County Rd. G
Janesville
Partner:
Instructor:
Tony Jordan
Students will get to explore different areas that the HVAC/R industry has to offer through a variety of hands-on activities: Soldering, brazing, annealing, bending copper, fabricating ductwork, gas piping a furnace.
Students will test the operation of a residential HVAC System and recover/evacuate and charge a residential AC system. Students participating for the first time will get to explore different areas that the HVAC/R industry has to offer through a variety of hands-on activities.
Those who have participated in the past will get the above and a chance to work on a level 2 project.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Closed toe shoes required, no sandals or Crocs etc.
- No loose clothes or hoodie strings that can get caught in moving parts.
- Grades: 9-12
- Number students: 12
- Times: 9:00-3:00
(lunch provided) - Location:
Hendricks CareerTek
Partners:
Students will participate in an exciting hands-on academy where they will get to hear from real professionals about the various fields of cosmetology including hair, makeup and nails.
Then students will get the opportunity to engage with those industry experts while practicing the various techniques. They will end the day visiting a local cosmetology school right here in our community where they will learn about the programs offered and get the chance to see services happening first hand!
This is perfect for anyone interested in a career in cosmetology or anyone who simply loves the beauty industry!
- Grades: 6-9
- Number students: 15
- Times: 9:00-1:00
(lunch provided) - Location:
Hendricks CareerTek
Partner:
Instructor:
Mickey Chavannes
Ready to dive into the world of AI? Join us for a fun and interactive experience where you’ll explore how artificial intelligence can be used in creative and productive ways. You’ll explore the benefits of AI and the ethical side of AI. You will use AI to create visuals and a story that you will virtually share with the world! Get ready to see how AI can bring your imagination to life!
REQUIREMENT:
Students will need to come with a personal (not school because of firewalls) GMAIL address that they know the password to.
- Grades: 7-10
- Number students: 15
- Times: 9:00-3:00
(lunch provided) - Location:
Blackhawk Technical College
Main Campus
6004 S. County Rd. G
Janesville
Partner:
Instructor:
Dave Rodden
Students participating for the first time will be introduced to Metal Fabrication and Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG) and will take part in safety briefing, designing, and fabrication.
Students who have participated in the past, will get the above and a chance to work on a level 2 project.
- Grades: 8-12
- Number students: 20
- Times: 9:00-3:00
(lunch provided) - Location:
Hendricks CareerTek
Partner:
Instructor:
Paige Freyr
Chef Hernan Angarita
Chef Christophe Le Metayer
Join a Flavorist: Paige Freyr, and Culinary Experts: Chef Hernan Angarita and Chef Christophe Le Metayer to discuss how we blend culinary science and chemistry in and out of the kitchen.
Playing with your food has never tasted so good!
From developing flavors for large food companies to showing off culinary skills, we’ll have a fun day exploring around the kitchen and tasting our inventions! Featuring “The Elements of a Great Sandwich” activity and learning how to become a “Modern Day Willy Wonka”!
- Grades: 9-12
- Number students: 12
- Times: 9:00-3:00
(lunch provided) - Location:
Hendricks CareerTek
Partner:
Instructors:
Danielle Marx
Rebekah Evans
Kelly Bosen
Will Davis
Students will be part of a dynamic marketing team to help promote a youth pickleball league.
They’ll create an awesome branding kit, dive into different marketing roles, and pitch their creative ideas in an exciting presentation!
And the best part? They’ll wrap up the experience by learning how to play pickleball!
REQUIREMENTS:
- Sneakers are required on day 2. No sandals or Crocs etc.
- Students will need a personal (not school) email address that they can use
- Grades: 8-10
- Number students: 15
- Times: 9:00-3:00
(lunch provided) - Location:
Blackhawk Technical College
Main Campus
6004 S. County Rd. G
Janesville
Partner:
Instructor:
Various Blackhawk Technical College staff
Scot Forge staff
Explore the world of forging through the Forge the Future Summer Academy.
Students will be able to create their own forging by participating in STEAM and team-building activities. After learning about forging and its applications, students will have the opportunity to tour Scot Forge and see large-scale forging in action!
Students will begin and end the day at BTC, but during the day will be shuttled to Scot Forge for an industry tour.
REQUIREMENTS
- Closed toe shoes required, no sandals or Crocs etc.