Career and Technical Education (CTE) Summer Academy

A summer enrichment and skills development program for students currently in grades 7-11.

We’ve been busy planning for an amazing summer experience! Check below for the 2023 program information.

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a weekly enrichment program that allows students to:

  • Dive deeper into Career and Technical Education (CTE) program areas
  • Encourages skill development
  • Begin career exploration

Students are able to personalize their experience by choosing which CTE classes they will take!

CTE Summer Academy Program Information

Eligibility

Open to students in grades 7-11 during the 2022-23 school year. Students currently in grades K-6 may participate in Tech Adventure Camp. Space is limited, and registration is on a first-come basis until seats are filled.

All students are welcome:

  • FCPS students.
  • Students enrolled in private schools.
  • Students who are homeschooled.
  • Non-Fairfax County residents.

Program Informationtwo students working on a project

Dates

  • July 10 - 14, 2023
  • July 17 - 21, 2023
  • July 24 - 28, 2023

Time

  • 8:30 a.m.- 2 p.m.
  • Early drop-off begins at 7:30 a.m.

Location

Lake Braddock Secondary School

Tuition

  • $275 per week
    • Students eligible for free and reduced lunch: No tuition.*

*To be eligible, students must apply on Free and Reduced Meals website. You must allow your benefits to be shared or submit the Consent to Share Information Form.

Classes and Daily Schedule

Students have four classes every day. Students choose their classes during the registration process and are encouraged to try new and exciting content. Class descriptions can be found below.  Activities and projects change each year so students who participated in previous years can choose the same classes again this summer.

Information for the 2023 program is found below. 

Class Descriptions

Business and Information Technology

Coding Adventures*

Are you interested in coding and programming? Learn the basics or take your skills to the next level in this exciting class.

Cyber Security Fundamentals*

Can you stop hackers from getting into the network? Learn the skills of cyber security and how to protect yourself and others from online threats.

Game Design (NEW CLASS)*

Calling all gamers! What’s more fun than playing games? Designing your own of course! Learn how to make your own games in this interactive course

Mastering Microsoft*

Want to sharpen your Microsoft Office skills? This class will help you master the use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher. These skills are highly sought after in the workforce!

*These classes require a laptop. Students who register for these classes should plan on bringing a laptop with them to camp.

Family and Consumer Sciences

Baking Basics

We’re mixing up some delicious treats in this class! Grab those oven mitts, it’s time to bake!

Crafting 101

Are you creative and love making things? Learn how to make basic crafts for gifts, home decor, and more!

Kitchen Classics

Do you love cooking? Build basic skills or expand your knowledge in the culinary arts and food preparation in this class!

Textile + Space Design (NEW CLASS)

Learn more about the textile and interior design industries. This class will help you in both fashion and spatial design by teaching you about different types of textiles and how to organize spaces.

Health and Medical Sciences

Animal Care

Become a better pet owner and learn about how to properly care for animals. You’ll be able to gain insight into the veterinary sciences programs offered at FCPS.

Emergency First Aid/CPR

Do you have what it takes to help someone in an emergency? Learn the basics of First Aid and CPR in this class so you can help someone in need or yourself!

Health Care Basics

Calling all those interested in health care! Learn about health care career pathways and gain hands-on experiences with tools and equipment in health fields.
 

Marketing

Entrepreneurship: Shark Tank*

Do you have what it takes to win over the sharks? In our own version of “Shark Tank,” students will become entrepreneurs.

Million Dollar Marketing! (NEW CLASS)*

Sports, entertainment, and fashion, oh my! Learn more about marketing empires and how to take your business to the next level in this fun and interactive class.

*These classes require a laptop. Students who register for these classes should plan on bringing a laptop with them to camp.

Technology and Engineering Education

Design Shop

Calling all design enthusiasts! Take your design skills to the next level by creating a product in this hands-on design and production class.

Edible Engineering

We’re taking our CAD skills to…the kitchen! Learn how to use CAD/CAM to make delectable treats and how some kitchens are using technology to automate the culinary process.

Flight School

It’s time to take off! Learn more about how objects fly by building your own aircraft in this fun and exciting class.

Make It Manufacturing (NEW CLASS)

We’re exploring the manufacturing processes and machines that allow us to take a design from CAD and make it into a real-world product. 

Underwater Robotics (NEW CLASS)

We're taking our robots underwater! Figure out what it takes to explore the ocean abyss by building an underwater robot in this class!

World of Robots

Do you have a passion for robots? Take your skills to the next level or learn the basics of building, programming, and controlling robots.

Trade and Industrial

Crime Scene Investigation

Can you solve this mystery? Explore how investigators in criminal justice solve crimes including the tools and materials they use.

Home Building

How do we build homes? What skills are needed for basic home repairs? Learn it all and get hands-on experience in this class.

JROTC 101 (NEW CLASS)

Do you have what it takes to join our JROTC programs? Learn how to walk the walk and talk the talk in this military-minded summer course

Mechanic Mania

Interested in vehicles? Learn the basics of auto technology and car care in this interactive class.

Movie Production*

Lights, camera, action! What does it take to make a video? Learn all about it in this class.

*This class requires a laptop. Students who register for this class should plan on bringing a laptop with them to camp.

Salon Basics

Take your hair, skin, and nail care skills to the next level in this class. Learn how hair care professionals help us go from drab to fab!

Wood Creations

Take a tour of our woodworking shop and learn how to safely use machines and tools found in the woodshop. Gain hands-on experience in the full production process of wooden items.

*These classes require a laptop. Students who register for these classes should plan on bringing a laptop with them to camp.

Daily Schedule

Period 1

  • Animal Care
  • Coding Adventures
  • Crafting 101
  • Crime Scene Investigation
  • Cyber Security Fundamentals
  • Entrepreneurship: Shark Tank
  • Flight School
  • JROTC 101
  • Kitchen Classics
  • Make It Manufacturing
  • Salon Basics
  • Wood Creations
  • World of Robotics

Period 2

  • Animal Care
  • Coding Adventures
  • Crafting 101
  • Crime Scene Investigation
  • Cyber Security Fundamentals
  • Entrepreneurship: Shark Tank
  • Flight School
  • JROTC 101
  • Kitchen Classics
  • Make It Manufacturing
  • Salon Basics
  • Wood Creations
  • World of Robotics

Period 3

  • Baking Basics
  • Design Shop
  • Edible Engineering
  • Emergency First Aid/CPR
  • Game Design
  • Home Building
  • Mastering Microsoft
  • Mechanic Mania
  • Million Dollar Marketing
  • Movie Production
  • Textile + Space Design
  • Underwater Robotics

Period 4

  • Baking Basics
  • Design Shop
  • Edible Engineering
  • Game Design
  • Health Care Basics 
  • Home Building
  • Mastering Microsoft
  • Mechanic Mania
  • Million Dollar Marketing
  • Movie Production
  • Textile + Space Design
  • Underwater Robotics

Lunch

Students will have a 30-minute lunch break every day. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Transportation

There is bus transportation from select FCPS high schools and middle schools. Transportation to and from these schools is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. Transportation information will be communicated to families prior to the start of the program.

Registrationstudents building a boat during the summer academy

Wednesday, February 1 - Friday, June 9, 2023

Required Forms

All students must deliver the appropriate form(s) prior to the first day of the camp. Forms can be emailed to Beth Mehr.

Camp Agreement Form

As part of the registration process, parents and students must agree to the following lab safety rules, use of digital resources, and food guidelines.

Students without the appropriate forms will not be able to participate until forms are submitted. Non-FCPS students must provide a copy of these documents:

  • Birth Certificate
  • Medical evidence of immunization
  • The most recent 2022-23 school report card

Documents can be

  • emailed to [email protected]
  • mailed to FCPS-ACE, Department C 6815 Edsall Rd, Springfield, VA 22151

Contact

For more information about CTE Summer Academy, email Beth Mehr.

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Refund Information

Refund requests must be submitted online. Please see Full Refund Details for additional information and deadlines.