- Rebuilding and reprogramming the SMARS modular rover—installing firmware and communication pulses to reconnect with Earth.
- Restoring rover mobility by calibrating motor offsets and programming tracks designed to handle rugged Martian terrain.
- Building and launching rockets to simulate emergency supply drops.
- Integrating ultrasonic sensors and mechanical claws to detect obstacles, clear debris, and navigate craters.
- Participating in engaging space-science activities that expand their understanding of planetary exploration.
VAST Summer Art Studio—$300
For Rising High School Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors
Monday through Friday, July 13–17
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Register for VAST Summer Art Studio
Spend a week fully immersed in the visual arts at Penn State Altoona.
The VAST (Visual Art Studies) Summer Art Studio invites motivated high school students to explore a range of artistic disciplines in an intensive, hands-on studio experience. Designed as both an introduction and a deepening of creative practice, this program engages students in traditional and digital modes of making—including drawing, ceramics, and graphic design—within the same professional studios and digital media labs used by Penn State Visual Art Studies majors.
Working closely with Penn State Altoona Visual Art Studies faculty, students will experiment, refine techniques, and develop their artistic voice in a supportive environment that values creativity, curiosity, and self-expression.
With enrollment capped at just fifteen students, the VAST Summer Art Studio offers meaningful mentorship, individualized guidance, and full access to campus art facilities—creating an experience that feels both personal and collegiate.
Whether you’re building your portfolio or exploring new creative directions, this is your opportunity to create boldly and think like a college artist.
Sense-ational Endeavors (Ages 4–8)
July 13–24
9:30 a.m.–noon
Register for Sense-ational Endeavors Session 1
Penn State Altoona and Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 (IU8) are excited to collaborate to support the Sense-ational Endeavors Summer Camp.
Sensory integration plays a vital role in supporting learning and sensory development for children with autism spectrum disorders. By engaging the senses—touch, sight, sound, smell, taste, and movement—children experience new pathways to understanding and growth in dynamic, meaningful ways.
This camp offers thoughtfully designed sensory activities that encourage children with disabilities to explore, engage, and create using all six senses. Each day features a unique theme with structured, hands-on experiences that incorporate physical movement, art, music, and social skill development. Activities are individualized and adaptable to meet each child’s unique abilities, strengths, and goals.
Through Sense-ational Endeavors, children are supported in overcoming challenges within a safe and welcoming environment, while discovering new opportunities for confidence, achievement, and fun.
Sense-ational Endeavors (Ages 9–15)
July 13–24
1:00–3:30 p.m.
This camp is now full. A waitlist is available.
Register for Sense-ational Endeavors (Ages 9–15) Waitlist
Penn State Altoona and Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 (IU8) are excited to collaborate to support the Sense-ational Endeavors Summer Camp.
Sensory integration plays a vital role in supporting learning and sensory development for children with autism spectrum disorders. By engaging the senses—touch, sight, sound, smell, taste, and movement—children experience new pathways to understanding and growth in dynamic, meaningful ways.
This camp offers thoughtfully designed sensory activities that encourage children with disabilities to explore, engage, and create using all six senses. Each day features a unique theme with structured, hands-on experiences that incorporate physical movement, art, music, and social skill development. Activities are individualized and adaptable to meet each child’s unique abilities, strengths, and goals.
Through Sense-ational Endeavors, children are supported in overcoming challenges within a safe and welcoming environment, while discovering new opportunities for confidence, achievement, and fun.
Senior Engineering Academy (Grades 6–8) $175
Monday through Friday, July 20–24
9:00 a.m.–noon
Step into the role of a NASA engineer in this high-stakes, hands-on survival challenge! After a catastrophic event damages a Martian outpost, it’s up to you and your team to restore critical systems and get the mission back on track.
Throughout the week, students will take on real-world engineering tasks, including:
The week culminates in a Mars Track Competition, where teams put their finely tuned rovers to the test across a simulated Martian landscape. On the final day, parents are invited to attend and see firsthand what students have built, programmed, and accomplished.