George Mason University Summer Programs for High School Students: A Comprehensive Guide

George Mason University (GMU), founded in 1957 as University College, is a top school in Virginia, a state recognized for its excellent education system. Its main campus in Fairfax, VA, spans 677 acres, conveniently located just 20 miles from downtown Washington, DC. For high school students seeking enriching summer experiences, GMU offers a variety of programs designed to foster academic growth, explore potential career paths, and provide a taste of college life.

Immersive STEM Experiences with iD Tech

One prominent option for high school students is the iD Tech program held at George Mason University. These day camps, designed for students aged 7-17, provide hands-on learning experiences in various STEM fields. The iD Tech experience at George Mason University offers a unique blend of skill development and campus exploration. Energetic instructors, often recruited from elite universities like Stanford and NYU, inspire campers to transform ideas into reality. The programs balance off-computer activities like creative games, sports, and life skills with essential STEM skill development in an inspiring campus setting.

Course Topics and Skill Development

iD Tech offers a range of popular course topics. Students can craft a BattleBot, bring ideas to life with code, work with sensors and microcontrollers, and delve into autonomous driving. VEX robotics camps are also available. These courses aim to transform students’ interests into real-world STEM skills through hands-on learning in small groups on a prestigious college campus. Expert instructors, trained to engage and inspire, lead the sessions.

A Balance of Learning and Fun

The iD Tech day camps kick off with icebreakers and team-building activities before diving into morning coursework. During lunch, students walk from the computer lab to the dining hall, taking in the beauty of the campus. The afternoon includes more coursework, followed by outdoor game time and campus discovery. Students spend approximately five hours per day on the computer, with breaks for recreational activities. The program blends traditional summer camp activities with cutting-edge technology courses, allowing students to socialize, make friends, and have fun while developing crucial STEM skills.

The iD Tech Advantage: Elite Instructors and Future Opportunities

iD Tech instructors are recruited from top universities and serve as elite mentors. They understand kids, share their interests, bring first-hand experience, and act as real-life role models. These instructors are trained to differentiate engaging content to campers’ needs, connect with each child, and inspire them to pursue their dreams. Many iD Tech instructors go on to be hired by prestigious tech companies like Google, EA, Disney, and Microsoft.

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Alumni of iD Tech who have become successful in their fields attest to the program's impact:

Aspen, Associate Designer at Bethesda Softworks: "The spirit of innovation and creativity I felt around my students while teaching Unity led me toward my career as a professional game designer. My time at iD Tech taught me that no dream is too big, and that brilliant ideas can come from anywhere.”
Brian M., Software Engineer at Disney: "The opportunity to create an environment of collaboration, inclusion, and creativity was a truly special experience. The skills I honed while teaching at iD Tech led me to my software engineering roles at ESPN and the Walt Disney Company."
Cody R., Software Engineer at Airbnb: "I never imagined that a summer job could have such a lasting impact on my career. Teaching kids to develop video games was extremely gratifying, and it reinforced my love of programming. The skills I honed at iD Tech led me to become an engineer at Amazon then Airbnb."
Caitlyn M., Technical Artist at Volvo: "Working at iD Tech meant giving back the amazing experience I had as a camper. iD Tech is a place of inclusivity and innovation, and there’s never a dull day with all the creative ideas that get shared around!"

Practical Information for iD Tech Participants

iD Tech programs start at $1,099, with payment plans available. Due to the popularity of the courses, early registration is recommended. Unlimited changes can be made without fees up to 28 days before the start of the session. Cancellation policies vary depending on the timing of the cancellation.

Students can bring their phones to camp to update their families and take photos with friends during break times. Photos of campers in action are regularly updated on the iD Tech photos page. A Friday Family Showcase allows loved ones to see their camper’s final project and interact with camp staff.

At the conclusion of the course, students receive an iD Tech diploma and a transcript outlining their learning. They also take home a USB drive with their course project files and access to installation and setup guides. Overnight campers can request roommates, and iD Tech makes every effort to accommodate these requests.

Pathways to Quantum Summer Immersion Program

In partnership with area K-12 public school systems, Connected DMV’s Potomac Quantum Innovation Center (PQIC) and George Mason’s Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC) offer the Pathways to Quantum Summer Immersion Program. This program is designed for rising high school seniors in the Greater Washington region interested in quantum and STEM-related careers.

Program Structure and Experiential Learning

The three-week hybrid program includes a week-long job shadowing opportunity with leading research universities and industry-leading organizations. The program consists of two segments. The first segment involves an eight-hour asynchronous, virtual course. The second segment is a week-long in-person experience visiting workplaces engaged in different parts of the quantum ecosystem, including business and marketing, communications, policy, and research.

The in-person segment takes place on George Mason University's campus in Fairfax County. Students must be available for all program days and remain on campus, except for group excursions to quantum workplaces around the DMV. The cohort may also participate in an optional summer project, showcasing their work at the Quantum World Congress (QWC).

Quantum Badging Program

Participants have the opportunity to earn digital credentials through the Pathways to Quantum Badging Program. The Quantum Discovery for Students PQIC badge is issued for completing the virtual course. The Quantum Explorer for Students badge is awarded for participation in the in-person immersion portion of the program, providing students with hands-on experience in the field of quantum science.

Academy Programs: A Pre-College Experience

Academy programs are designed as a rigorous, pre-college experience for teens interested in pursuing STEM fields in college or as a career. These programs run in two-week sessions, with optional weekend stays at select locations. While fully supervised, weekend stays are filled with fun activities rather than instruction. Because this is a teen-only program, students are given as much autonomy as possible to shape their learning and free time. Teens stay in the dorms on campus, experiencing college life with boys and girls in separate areas.

Along with an iD Tech diploma, teens leave their academy with a portfolio tailored to their course topic, a valuable addition to resumes and college applications.

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Additional Considerations

While specific details about the "Introduction to Field Ecology Program" aren't provided in the user's information, it’s worth noting that GMU offers a variety of other summer programs that might align with a high school student's interests. Some students opt to take college-level courses at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) that can be transferred to any college.

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