- Practice vital signs assessment and participate in patient care simulations in nursing labs
- Conduct biology experiments connecting genetics, immunology, physiology, and pathology to medical treatment
- Explore injury assessment, rehabilitation techniques, and exercise testing in kinesiology settings
- Perform behavioral health screenings, practice clinical interviewing, and apply evidence-based mental health and health behavior interventions
- By experiencing how these disciplines work together, students gain insight into the collaborative nature of healthcare teams and the many pathways available in the field—from nursing and medicine to physical therapy, psychology, biomedical sciences, and allied health professions.
- 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.
Junior Engineering Academy (Grades 3–5) $175
Monday through Friday, June 8–June 12
9:00 a.m.–noon
Register for Junior Engineering Academy
The Junior Engineering Camp is designed to ignite curiosity and excitement about engineering through hands-on, project-based learning. Throughout the week, students will explore the fundamentals of design, materials, and manufacturing as they create and customize their own pinewood derby cars.
Campers will learn basic engineering principles while safely using tools and equipment to machine, shape, and refine their designs. In addition to building their cars, students will participate in other engaging STEM activities that introduce key science and technology concepts in fun, interactive ways.
The week culminates in a friendly pinewood derby race, where students test, evaluate, and celebrate their hard work. On the final day, parents are invited to attend and cheer as campers race their creations down the track.
Future Healthcare Professionals Academy (for high school students) $185
Monday through Wednesday, June 29—July 1
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Register for Future Healthcare Professionals Academy
Explore healthcare from every angle—science, movement, mind, and patient care.
The Future Healthcare Professionals Academy at Penn State Altoona is an immersive, hands-on experience designed for high school students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare. This interdisciplinary program brings together faculty from nursing, biology, kinesiology, and psychology to provide a comprehensive introduction to today’s dynamic healthcare environment.
Throughout the academy, students rotate through professional labs and simulation spaces used by Penn State students, engaging in realistic, case-based learning that mirrors modern clinical practice.
Participants will:
This academy is ideal for motivated students who want meaningful, early exposure to healthcare skills, mentorship from university faculty, and a deeper understanding of the science and compassion that drive patient care.
Discover where your future in healthcare can begin.
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
Register for Senior Engineering Academy
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.