Registration Open for Harrisburg University's High School Gaming Academy

PRLog (Press Release) - Jan. 13, 2010 - --Learn game programming, 3D modeling and professional techniques for designing and producing video games this summer during the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology High School Gaming Academy.

Online registration is now open for the intensive three-week summer commuter program for students entering 10th, 11th or 12th grade with a passion for video games and exposes students to career opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Led by Charles Palmer, executive director of the Center for Advanced Entertainment and Learning Technologies, the Academy offers two three-week intensive sessions. Class size is limited to 12 for each session.  Each session is an immersive educational journey into the dynamic world of video game development, including 3D modeling, game programming, audio production and level design.

Session 1 is scheduled for June 21 through July 9, 2010.   Session 2 is scheduled for July 12 –July 30, 2010.  Both sessions will take place at Harrisburg University, located at 326 Market Street.  Daily classes and activities are held from 9:30a.m. - 4p.m. Academy staff  members will be on hand from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30p.m. to facilitate any students needing to arrive early or leave late.

Students will have weekly roundtable discussions with industry professionals and collaborate with other students from the Central PA region interested in gaming and digital media, says Palmer. He notes that the classes are designed to expand skills in programming, sound design, and/or graphic arts, and emphasize skill development in the areas of: teamwork, creative thinking, brainstorming, rapid prototyping, presentation techniques and user experience/game design.

All required software and hardware will be provided by the Academy and are on loan to the students for the duration of the camp. The state-of-the-art equipment will be for in-house use only, and students will not be permitted to take the equipment off site during the program.  

What won't be supplied are the tools dependent on each student's personal talents and skills. For instance, artists should bring their own sketchbooks and drawing supplies. Students should consider bringing their own flash drives to share files between different computers.

Tuition, which includes day-long instruction for three weeks, access to all software and hardware, and daily snacks, is $900/session. Save $100 by registering before March 31.
For more information or to sign up for updates, contact Charles Palmer at cpalmer@HarrisburgU.edu or 717.901.5127. Register online at http://www.harrisburgu.edu/theAcademy.

Established in 2001 to address Central Pennsylvania’s need for increased opportunities for study leading to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, Harrisburg University is an innovative and ambitious private institution that produces graduates who provide increased competence and capacity in science and technology disciplines to Pennsylvania and the nation. Harrisburg University ensures institutional access for underrepresented students and links learning and research to practical outcomes. As a private University serving the public good, Harrisburg University remains the only STEM-focused comprehensive university located between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

For more information on the University's demand-driven undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in applied science and technology fields, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu.

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Established in 2001 to address Central Pennsylvania’s need for increased opportunities for study leading to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, Harrisburg University is an innovative and ambitious private institution.