Career and Technical Education Summer Academy (CTA)
A summer enrichment and skills development program for students currently in grades 6-11.
Registration Information
Registration begins Monday, March 10 and ends Friday, June 6.
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a weekly enrichment program that allows students to:
- Dive deeper into Career and Technical Education (CTE) program areas
- Develop new or existing skills
- Begin career exploration
Students can personalize their experience by choosing which CTE classes they will take!
Classes offered through CTE Summer Academy are introductory and do not require previous knowledge of the content. By participating in our summer enrichment program, students will have a better understanding of the CTE electives offered through FCPS.
Eligibility
Open to students in grades 6-11 during the 2024-25 school year.
Space is limited, and registration is on a first-come basis until seats are filled.
All students are welcome:
- FCPS students.
- Students enrolled in private schools.
- Students who are homeschooled.
- Non-Fairfax County residents.
Fairfax County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to all clubs and activities.
Program Dates
- July 7 - 11, 2025
- July 14 - 18, 2025
- July 21 - 25, 2025
Time
- 8:30 a.m.- 2 p.m.
- Early drop-off begins at 7:30 a.m.
Location
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Tuition
$275 per week
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Classes and Daily Schedule
Information for the 2025 program is found below.
Students have four classes every day. Students choose their classes during the registration process and are encouraged to try new and exciting content. Class descriptions can be found below. Activities and projects change each year so students who participated in previous years can choose the same classes again this summer.
Classes repeat each week. Students who are participating in multiple weeks will need to choose new classes each week.
2025 Class Descriptions
Some classes require a laptop. Students who register for these classes should plan on bringing a laptop with them to camp.
Advanced Coding (NEW CLASS)
Are you a seasoned coder looking to level up your skills? This class is designed to challenge and inspire programmers with hands-on coding activities.
Students interested in coding, information technology, and computers may enjoy this class.
NOTE: Students must have a basic knowledge of coding to take this class.
Coding Adventures
Are you interested in coding and programming? Learn the basics or take your skills to the next level in this exciting class.
Students interested in coding, information technology, and computers may enjoy this class.
Emerging Tech
In this class, you will learn about the basics of AI, VR, and cybersecurity, and you will have the opportunity to apply what you learn through hands-on projects and activities. You will also have the chance to learn about the computer science career pathways.
Students interested in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality may enjoy this class.
Engaging in eSports
Learn how to be competition ready in this introduction to eSports class! We’re going explore the world of eSports and get some practice in competitive video gaming.
Students interested in video games, competitive gaming, and game design may enjoy this class.
Crafting 101*
Are you creative and love making things? Learn how to make basic crafts for gifts, home decor, and more!
Students interested in crafts, DIY projects, and design may enjoy this class.
Cupcake Wars - Bakers
Who will win the CTE baking bake-off? Students in this class will participate in a friendly competition to see who can bake and decorate the best cupcakes. They will also work with the Building class to design the display base to showcase their creations.
Students interested in baking, decoration, and recipe creation may enjoy this class.
Kitchen Classics
Do you love cooking? Build basic skills or expand your knowledge in the culinary arts and food preparation in this class!
Students interested in cooking, recipe creation, and nutrition may enjoy this class.
Secrets of Hand Sewing
Learn the art of hand sewing in this class. From the beginning steps of threading a needle to being able to produce masterpieces out of fabric, this class is sure to teach you impressive life skills!
Students interested in fabrics/textiles, sewing and fashion may enjoy this class.
Animal Care
Become a better pet owner and learn about how to properly care for animals. You’ll be able to gain insight into the veterinary sciences programs offered at FCPS.
Students interested in veterinary science, animals, and biology may enjoy this class.
Exercise Science
Get swole this summer in our exercise science class! Learn how muscles work and how to target those muscles with specific exercises. We’ll also learn more about physical therapy techniques.
Students interested in human anatomy, exercise, and occupational/physical therapy may enjoy this class.
Health Care Basics
Calling all those interested in health care! Learn about health care career pathways and gain hands-on experiences with tools and equipment in health fields.
Students interested in health care, medical sciences, and human anatomy may enjoy this class.
Creative Commerce
Learn how businesses use design software to promote their brand in this engaging class. Create promotional materials which are sure to turn your creative ideas into profitable ventures!
Students interested in marketing, branding, and promotion may enjoy this class.
Let’s Get Social!
Are you the next social media influencer? See what it takes to use social media as a marketing tool and gain some new skills!
Students interested in social media, marketing, and branding may enjoy this class.
Design Shop
Calling all design enthusiasts! Take your design skills to the next level by creating a product in this hands-on design and production class.
Students interested in graphic design, product production, and DIY projects may enjoy this class.
Going Green
Are you passionate about protecting our planet? Join us for this exciting class that explores the principles of sustainability and empowers you to make a positive impact.
Students interested in sustainability, green technology, and environmental engineering may enjoy this class.
It’s Electric!
Bring some voltage to your DIY projects by learning more about electricity and electronics in this class. We’re soldering components together and making buzz-worthy circuits together!
Students interested in electronics, soldering, and DIY projects may enjoy this class.
Make It Manufacturing
We’re exploring the manufacturing processes and machines that allow us to take a design from CAD and make it into a real-world product.
Students interested in engineering design, rapid prototyping, and DIY projects may enjoy this class.
Underwater Robotics
We're taking our robots underwater! Figure out what it takes to explore the ocean abyss by building an underwater robot in this class!
Students interested in robotics, engineering design, and problem-solving may enjoy this class.
World of Robots
Do you have a passion for robots? Take your skills to the next level or learn the basics of building, programming, and controlling robots.
Students interested in coding, robotics, and problem-solving may enjoy this class.
Advanced Auto
This class is for our students who have taken Mechanic Mania or an auto technology course and would like to continue learning about vehicles. We will dive into more advanced topics which may include welding!
Students interested in vehicles, auto technology, and auto collision may enjoy this class.
NOTE: Students must have a basic knowledge of auto technology to take this class
Audio Engineering*
Do you have a passion for sound creation? Learn more about the technologies behind creating sound bits and music for movie and tv productions in this class.
Students interested in media production, music technology, and audio creation may enjoy this class.
Criminology
This class will introduce students to the criminal justice system and provide them with some hands-on activities that relate to topics within law enforcement and corrections.
Students interested in criminal justice, court systems, and police departments may enjoy this class.
Cupcake Wars - Builders
Who will win the CTE baking bake-off? Students in this class will participate in a friendly competition to see who can build the best looking cupcake display. They will also work with the Baking class who are baking the cupcakes for the display.
Students interested in woodworking, power tools, and DIY projects may enjoy this class.
Home Building
How do we build homes? What skills are needed for basic home repairs? Learn it all and get hands-on experience in this class.
Students interested in residential construction, electrical wiring, and residential trades may enjoy this class.
Mechanic Mania
Interested in vehicles? Learn the basics of auto technology and car care in this interactive class.
Students interested in vehicles, auto technology, and mechanical components may enjoy this class.
Movie Production*
Lights, camera, action! What does it take to make a video? Learn all about it in this class.
Students interested in the film industry, movie creation, and video technology may enjoy this class.
Radar + Drill Team
Do you have what it takes to join our JROTC programs? Learn how to walk the walk and talk the talk in this military-minded summer course!
Students interested in military sciences, becoming a cadet, and JROTC may enjoy this class.
Salon Basics
Take your hair, skin, and nail care skills to the next level in this class. Learn how hair care professionals help us go from drab to fab!
Students interested in cosmetology, nail technology, and hairdressing may enjoy this class.
Daily Schedule
- Advanced Coding
- Animal Care
- Audio Engineering
- Coding Adventures
- Cupcake Wars - Bakers
- Cupcake Wars - Builders
- Crafting 101
- Creative Commerce
- Criminology
- Going Green
- Health Care Basics
- It’s Electric!
- Mechanic Mania
- Salon Basics
- World of Robotics
- Advanced Coding
- Animal Care
- Audio Engineering
- Coding Adventures
- Cupcake Wars - Bakers
- Cupcake Wars - Builders
- Crafting 101
- Creative Commerce
- Criminology
- Going Green
- Health Care Basics
- It’s Electric!
- Mechanic Mania
- Salon Basics
- World of Robotics
- Advanced Auto
- Design Shop
- Emerging Tech
- Engaging in eSport
- Exercise Science
- Home Building
- Kitchen Classics
- Let’s Get Social!
- Make It Manufacturing
- Movie Production
- Radar + Drill Team
- Secrets of Hand Sewing
- Underwater Robotics
- Advanced Auto
- Design Shop
- Emerging Tech
- Engaging in eSport
- Exercise Science
- Home Building
- Kitchen Classics
- Let’s Get Social!
- Make It Manufacturing
- Movie Production
- Radar + Drill Team
- Secrets of Hand Sewing
- Underwater Robotics
Attendance and Conduct Requirements
Students are expected to follow the rules outlined in the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities Regulation. Students must:
- Be able to work independently and in large groups.
- Follow teacher directions.
- Maintain positive relationships with peers and adults.
Lunch
Students will have a 30-minute lunch break every day. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Transportation
There is bus transportation from select FCPS high schools and middle schools.
The parent or guardian is responsible for transportation to and from these schools. Transportation information will be communicated to families before the start of the program.
Registration
Dates
Monday, March 10 - Friday, June 6
How to Register
- Students register on the Adult and Community Education (ACE) Registration website.
- Instructions for how to use the ACE website can be found on their FAQ webpage.
Class Registration
During the registration process, students will choose
- One preferred class for each period.
- The preferred classes are the classes they will attend during the program.
- Students who attend for multiple weeks need to choose different preferred classes each week.
- One alternative class for each period in the event the preferred class needs to be canceled.
If a class is showing as unavailable, it is full for that week.
Transportation Information
During registration, students will also choose a mode of transportation. Students may choose either
- Parent Pickup
- an FCPS school location for bus pick up and drop off.
Confirmation Email
After the registration process is complete, a confirmation email will be sent to the email address associated with the parent account. The confirmation email will have a copy of the preferred and alternate class schedule and the transportation choice.
Required Forms
Students without the appropriate forms will not be able to participate until the forms are submitted.
Camp Agreement
As part of the registration process, parents and students must agree to the following lab safety rules, use of digital resources, and food guidelines.
All students must deliver the following forms(s) if they apply to your student by the first day of the camp. Forms can be printed and brought on the first day of camp.
FCPS Forms
Non-FCPS students must deliver the following forms before the first day of the camp. Forms can be emailed to Beth Mehr.
Emergency Care Form
Health Information
Other Documents
Non-FCPS students must also provide a copy of these documents:
- Birth Certificate
- Medical evidence of immunization
- The most recent 2024-25 school report card
Documents can be
- emailed to [email protected]
- mailed to:
FCPS-ACE, Department C
6815 Edsall Rd.
Springfield, VA 22151
Refund Information
Refund requests must be submitted online. Please see Full Refund Details for additional information and deadlines.
Contact
For more information about CTE Summer Academy, including tuition assistance, email Beth Mehr.