Summer Career Academies are hands-on programs created to captivate students entering grades six through nine and provide them with the opportunity to explore career passions in professional learning labs with experienced professionals.

Offered by the Chester County Intermediate Unit in weeklong sessions from mid-June through late July, Summer Career Academies are full-day programs that run from 9 AM-3:30 PM and include lunch. The cost for the whole week is only $60.

Students can choose from a variety of programs focused on the following career topics:

• Animal Science
• Auto Service/Collision
• Building America
• CSI
• Commercial and Graphic Arts
• Computer Networking
• Cosmetology
• Electronics and Robotics
• Engineering Technologies
• Game Design
• Girls Explore Their Future
• Health Careers
• Home Remodeling
• Mobile Android App Coding
• Mobile Apple App Coding
• Recreational Vehicles & Engine Technologies
• Teacher Leadership Academy
• Tomorrow’s Millionaires

Some of these academy names are self-explanatory and obvious in their appeal. Other academies draw students in with their descriptions.

Another special program to note is the exclusive and newly-redesigned Culinary Camp. There is limited seating in this advanced program, and it costs more than the other academies, at a rate of $160 for the week.

Academies are offered this summer at two convenient locations in Chester County: Technical College High School (TCHS) Brandywine Campus in Downingtown and TCHS Pennock’s Bridge Campus in West Grove. In the past, TCHS Pickering in Phoenixville has also hosted the program, but due to building renovations scheduled for this summer, TCHS Brandywine will serve those students from the northern end of the county this year.

Students who choose to spend a week exploring their passions at Summer Career Academies will not only have some enthusiastic replies to the classic back-to-school “What did you do this summer?” question. But they will also leave with valuable skills, knowledge of career options in high-priority fields, and important life lessons.

Space is limited, so students and parents interested in taking advantage of this unique and affordable opportunity should register soon.

For more information and to register for Summer Career Academies, visit www.cciu.org/summer.