Did you know we offer educational programs to the non-college community? From hands-on art and technology workshops to interactive online courses, we bring new learning experiences to children and teens excited for a future in technology.
Open World by DigiPen
Open World is our newest educational venture providing fun, high-quality K-12 experiences in the STEAM fields of the future. Launching in the summer of 2023, every Open World workshop includes engaging, hands-on projects and visits from creative professionals in the industry. Learn more about our summer workshops at Open World’s website.
DigiPen Academy
DigiPen’s commitment to teaching the arts and sciences doesn’t start at the undergraduate level. For over 20 years, ProjectFUN youth programs, now expanded to become DigiPen Academy, have given elementary, middle, and high school students the chance to learn about game development, engineering, and fine arts through introductory and preparatory programs that are fun and engaging for every age level.
DigiPen Academy administers intensive summer workshops as well as year-round supplemental programs, giving students practical experience designed to develop their critical thinking skills and inspire enthusiasm in the arts and sciences. We offer a variety of courses and programs for students, whether they are preparing for a future career or simply looking for a fun way to learn more about STEM fields.
Learn more about individual programs below, or visit the DigiPen Academy website.
Summer Programs
DigiPen Academy summer workshops and studio courses are fun, engaging programs designed to augment a student’s education in between the regular school year cycle. Workshops are hands-on experiences tailored to specific age levels (ages 5-9, 10-12, and 13-18) and areas of interest. Summer sessions also include specialized tracks for girls exploring STEM-related fields, and a Pre-College Program for students following their sophomore, junior, and senior years of high school.
School Year Programs
Students can also supplement their normal school year with science, technology, and art programs that take place after school, on weekends, or during the school day. Some programs are available to all grade levels and are modeled after our popular summer workshops, while others are geared for specific audiences such as homeschool students. Our Tech Academy programs through WANIC and three other Skills Centers offer college-level courses that can count toward Advanced Placement credit or college credit at DigiPen.
Online Programs
Students that can’t attend a workshop at DigiPen’s Redmond campus or one of our partner locations can still engage in the DigiPen Academy experience from home. Online programs bring art, science, and technology directly to the student in interactive instructional sessions. Select courses may be applied for academic credit through your high school, or help prepare students for Advanced Placement exams.
Pre-College Program
This rigorous, fast-paced program provides a preparatory experience for high school students and recent graduates who are interested in a taste of the college experience at DigiPen and includes five available program tracks: (1) Game Design, (2) Art and Animation, (3) Music and Sound Design, and (4) Computer Science and Engineering. Taught by DigiPen faculty members, the program exposes students to college-level content and immerses them in the collaborative environment at DigiPen.
WANIC and Skills Centers
These are day-time classes for juniors and seniors in high school, that mimic the college freshman-level courses. As part of the Washington Network of Innovative Careers, students take classes on DigiPen’s campus as part of their school day. Students in Tumwater, Puyallup, and Burien have similar opportunities at their district’s Skills Centers.
