Summer Springboard
Media & Design
ACADEMIC TRACK
About This Track
This track unleashes your creative potential with a bold focus on the core of visual storytelling, from slick branding and magnetic graphic design to immersive 3D modeling and next level prototyping. It is all about hands-on invention, creative process, and learning by doing: crafting personal identity through design, experimenting with emerging tools, and building standout branding that packs a punch.
The curriculum emphasizes the synergy between technical mastery and imaginative flair, equipping you to bring ideas to life in high impact, visually compelling ways.
What makes it truly buzzworthy is its immersive, real world vibe. You are not just learning theory, you are actively designing, iterating, and receiving feedback in a collaborative, creative setting. It is about strengthening your creative instincts, sharpening your visual communication skills, and making your voice heard through design.
Whether prototyping, branding, or exploring visual media, this track powers up your creative toolkit and leaves you ready to think and design like a pro.
Summer Springboard
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Courses In This Track
Media and design are crucial elements everywhere we look – the ad copy we read in a magazine, the visual effects in the top box office movie, and more. In these courses, an emphasis is placed on craft, imagination, invention and the use of techniques and devices.
Adobe Graphic Design Bootcamp
Course
Develop skills learning the use of Adobe’s industry standard Creative Cloud software applications: Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Design and create common print and digital products using traditional and Design/Thinking design processes. Explore new software application AI techniques.
Learn how graphics software and design processes are utilized in various career pathways. Compile examples of coursework projects and key learning points, in the design and creation of a multipage printed and bound portfolio using Adobe InDesign as well as a digital portfolio in PDF, ePub, and online.
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Architecture
Course
The Summer Springboard architecture course for high school students introduces architectural ideas, design principles, and methods of exploring problems of the built environment in a collaborative studio setting. While working on a design project you will learn about the academic path to an architectural degree, the day-to-day work of an architect, and the career opportunities.
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Branding & Design
Course
Students will dive into the essentials of branding, learning how to define what a brand truly is and the fundamentals of creating a captivating visual brand identity. Through engaging lessons and resources, students will apply graphic design principles that will empower them to create visual impact by crafting effective and stunning designs.
As budding designers, students will discover their vital role in the branding process, while honing their skills in peer critique—an invaluable experience that fosters collaboration and improvement. Each participant will have the chance to design their own personal brand, and output with eye-catching foil finishing effects, culminating in the creation of a unique project that beautifully extends their brand identity.
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Design Thinking & Rapid Prototyping
Course
This course will introduce students to 3D CAD design and fast prototyping using a 3D printer that they will make to take home with them. Students will learn how to design products using Autodesk Fusion360 and then build a Creality Ender Pro V2 3D printer. They will also learn how to use the 3D printer for fast prototyping, review, and improvements of their designs.
The course will cover the principles of 3D CAD design, including design methodology, geometric modeling, and assembly modeling. Students will also learn the fundamentals of 3D printing, including how to select and maintain a 3D printer, materials, and printing techniques.
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Fashion Merchandising
Course
Uncover your passion for fashion and explore diverse career opportunities in one of the world’s most iconic fashion cities: NYC. Renowned for their rich history of top fashion events, leading designers, and a thriving fashion culture, these cities are legendary and exert tremendous influence in the fashion world. Prepare to use these cities as your living classrooms for an exciting journey of discovery.
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Filmmaking
Course
This course focuses on the fundamental elements of visual storytelling that enables students to direct their own projects. Whether you have little experience, or are a Steven Spielberg in the making, gain experience in the entertainment capital of the world.
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Interior Design I
Course
Students will learn the fundamentals such as drafting, color theory, and materials, the course takes a practical approach by starting with a topic close to everyone’s heart – home. Through hands-on projects focused on apartment/home design, students will gain insights into furniture dynamics, spatial flow, and the psychology of interior spaces.
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Interior Design II
Course
This course introduces a dynamic shift towards the hospitality sector, incorporating the designs of hotels and restaurants.
Throughout the two-weeks, participants will explore the world of hospitality spaces by visiting some of the city’s premier campus hotels, as well as exploring various restaurants and cafes. The experiential learning extends beyond observation as students are encouraged to select a client and craft a designated space tailored to their needs, fostering a deeper understanding of design application.
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Music Production & Management
Course
The Music Production and Management program provides high school students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the creative and business aspects of the music industry, with the added benefit of being based in Los Angeles, one of the world’s premier music and entertainment hubs.
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Photography in the City
Course
This 2-week prep course offers high school students the opportunity to visit New York City’s iconic architecture while learning the fundamentals of photography from award-winning photographer Keith Williams. Students will use their smartphone or digital camera to capture interiors and exteriors at locations such as Hudson Yards, the High Line, Central Park, and the World Trade Center.
Students will acquire basic knowledge of photographic vocabulary, learn how to evaluate photographic images, and become familiar with digital photographic equipment and techniques. Discussions and assignments will also explore composition, styling, and lighting.
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Sports Broadcasting
Course
Sports broadcasting is a dynamic field that combines storytelling, analysis, and live performance. This two-week program is perfect for students passionate about sports and media who want to dive into the world of sports journalism and broadcasting. Throughout the course, students will learn the fundamentals of play-by-play and color commentary, master hosting for TV and podcasts, and practice calling games for different sports. They will also explore the emotional connection between fans and sports, gaining a deeper understanding of storytelling in sports media. By the end of the program, students will have developed essential skills for success in the sports media industry.
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Summer Springboard
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*Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly and NYSID which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.