--- title: "WANIC Skill Center Programs" date: 2023-04-11 author: "Michelle Yan" featured_image: "https://ewsx9umvbe9.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1920x1280_DigiPenAcademy_Faculty_PEN_4044.jpg?strip=all" --- # WANIC Skill Center Programs # [ WANIC Skill Center Programs ](#) [Home](https://academy.digipen.edu/) / [Academic Programs](https://academy.digipen.edu/academic-programs/) / WANIC Skill Center Programs## Our high school, college-level programs lead to rewarding careers DigiPen Academy offers college-level programs for high school students during the school year, and an [intensive 3-week session during the summer](https://academy.digipen.edu/academic-programs/wanic-summer-programs/). These rigorous academic programs are designed to give students a head start on their post-secondary studies, add depth to their college applications, and provide them with an opportunity to earn Advanced Placement (AP) credits, or credit at [DigiPen Institute of Technology](https://www.digipen.edu/). Most important, students have the opportunity to explore a passion or potential career in-depth through a balance of academic theory and hands-on projects, and by learning the “real life” creative and personal skills that lead to success in the industry. In addition to completing a projects-based curriculum, students gain exposure to a collegiate environment on the Institute campus, and have access to opportunities like college mentoring and shadowing. DigiPen Academy’s five course tracks are [Art & Animation](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/wanic-art-animation/), [AI & Predictive Analytics](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/wanic-ai-predictive-analytics-for-entertainment/), [Game Design](https://academy.digipen.edu/academic-programs/game-design/), [Video Game Programming](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/wanic-video-game-programming/), and [Music & Sound Design](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/wanic-music-sound-design/). Our high school academic programs are delivered through school districts affiliated with WANIC Skill Center, and taught at the DigiPen campus in Redmond, Washington. [ Apply to Wanic ](https://wanic.lwsd.org/academics/full-year-courses)WANIC Full Year Programs require attendance to an Info Session. See dates below. ### About WANIC Skill Center Programs The [Washington Network for Innovative Careers](https://wanic.lwsd.org/) (WANIC) is a regional skills center cooperative of select school districts in Northeast King County. WANIC provides advanced-level Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs based on rigorous academic and industry standards, which prepare students for post-secondary education and successful entry into high-skill, high-demand careers and employment. WANIC Skill Center programs are delivered through a system of branch campuses in seven participating districts: - Bellevue - Issaquah - Lake Washington - Mercer Island - Northshore - Riverview - Snoqualmie Valley #### Who can attend WANIC Programs? - Students from consortium area high schools, who have not earned a high school diploma. - Home-schooled and private school students who are registered with their local WANIC Consortium school district who have not earned a high school diploma. - Out-of-consortium high school students may be eligible on a space available basis with a signed shared student agreement. Contact the WANIC office for more information by emailing or calling 425-739-8400. **Please visit the [WANIC website FAQ](https://wanic.lwsd.org/about-us/faq) for more information.** #### [ Interested in past student work? Visit the Showcase. ](https://academy.digipen.edu/showcase/ "Interested in past student work? Visit the Showcase.") [ View Student Showcase ](https://academy.digipen.edu/showcase/)### WANIC Programs require attendance to an Info Session ##### All Sessions are Online. ##### 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. PST Zoom links will be emailed out the week of the session. [ RSVP Info Session ](https://forms.digipen.edu/view.php?id=866758)#### WANIC Info Sessions: - Thursday, June 11th, 2026\* \*Subject to change/cancellation #### There are five tracks for WANIC Programs: [ ART & ANIMATION ](#art) [ AI & ANALYTICS ](#data) [ GAME DESIGN ](#game) [ PROGRAMMING ](#programming) [ MUSIC & SOUND ](#sound)### WANIC Programs Overview Each WANIC course is 540 hours and run through the entire academic school year, Monday through Friday for 2.5 hours each day. Students can choose morning (7:15 am – 9:45 am) or afternoon (12:30 pm – 3:00 pm) sessions. **WANIC Full Year Programs require attendance to an Info Session. Please see Info Session dates above or visit the [WANIC website](https://wanic.lwsd.org/academics/) for dates and application information.** **Full Year Priority Application Window: February 4, 2026 9:00 am and close 3:00 pm March 31, 2026.****Full year applications close 3:00 PM July 15.** ##### [ Download the Expectations Guide for all Programs](https://ewsx9umvbe9.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/DigiPen_WANIC_ProgramExpecationsGuide_2024-2025.pdf) #### Prerequisites: This program is primarily for students entering their Junior or Senior year of high school in the fall, but younger students are accepted by permission. - Video Game Programming requires Algebra 2 - AI & Predictive Analytics for Entertainment requires Algebra 2 #### Credits: For the 2025-2026 school year, WANIC students can earn DigiPen Institute of Technology college credit for Art & Animation Year 1, Music & Sound Design Year 1 and 2, Game Design Year 1, and Video Game Programming Year 1 and 2. Please visit the [WANIC website](https://wanic.lwsd.org/academics/college-credits) for more information on credits. #### Instructors: [Our instructors](https://academy.digipen.edu/about-us/our-faculty/) are outstanding, highly trained and passionate about their respective fields. Instructors impart their years of knowledge and experience to teach and inspire the next generation of innovators. [ WANIC FAQ ](https://academy.digipen.edu/admissions/faq/#wanic-programs-faq)### [WANIC Summer Programs ](https://academy.digipen.edu/academic-programs/wanic-summer-programs/) Visit the [WANIC Summer Programs](https://academy.digipen.edu/academic-programs/wanic-summer-programs/) page for full details. ##### Category: WANIC ##### Timeframe: School Year ##### Format: Onsite ##### Program Dates: September to June ##### Application: Apply on the [WANIC website.](https://wanic.lwsd.org/academics/full-year-courses) ##### Application Dates: Priority Application Window February 4, 2026 9:00 am and close 3:00 pm March 31, 2026. Full year applications close 3:00 PM July 15. ##### Location: [DigiPen Institute, Redmond Campus](https://www.google.com/maps/place/DigiPen+Institute+of+Technology/@47.688818,-122.150315,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x2ea0971d7e01af72!8m2!3d47.688818!4d-122.150315?ved=2ahUKEwi30b-DkYrfAhXKHzQIHUGcB9cQ_BIwHnoECAIQCA&shorturl=1) ##### Schedule: For schedule, visit the [WANIC website](https://wanic.lwsd.org/academics/). ##### Tuition: No tuition costs/fees; funded by the State [ Apply to Wanic ](https://wanic.lwsd.org/academics/full-year-courses)### We offer five program tracks that prepare students for college ![DigiPen academy icon animation artist palette symbol](https://ewsx9umvbe9.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/DigiPen_Icons__art-animation.svg) WANIC #### [Art & Animation](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/wanic-art-animation/) The program focuses on building a strong foundation of traditional arts skills, critical animation principles and techniques. [ LEARN MORE ](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/wanic-art-animation/) ![DigiPen Adademy Icon data analytics graph](https://ewsx9umvbe9.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/DigiPen_Icons_data.svg) WANIC #### [AI & Predictive Analytics for Entertainment](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/wanic-ai-predictive-analytics-for-entertainment/) This program gives students hands-on experience using AI, machine learning, and data analytics to make sense of information shaping the modern world. [ LEARN MORE ](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/wanic-ai-predictive-analytics-for-entertainment/) ![DigiPen academy icon game design game controller symbol](https://ewsx9umvbe9.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/DigiPen_Icons__game-design.svg) WANIC #### [Game Design](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/wanic-game-design/) This program is for creative-minded students who want to understand the psychology behind games and learn the skills used for designing engaging interactive experiences. [ LEARN MORE ](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/wanic-game-design/) ![DigiPen Adademy Icon programming code](https://ewsx9umvbe9.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/DigiPen_Icons_programming.svg) WANIC #### [Game Programming](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/wanic-video-game-programming/) For students who want to pursue a career as a video game developer, this signature program provides a solid foundation. [ LEARN MORE ](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/wanic-video-game-programming/) ![DigiPen Adademy Icon sound volume indicator](https://ewsx9umvbe9.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/DigiPen_Icons_sound.svg) WANIC #### [Music & Sound Design](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/wanic-music-sound-design/) This program focuses on the creative and technical aspects of music and sound design, production, and implementation. [ LEARN MORE ](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/wanic-music-sound-design/)#### A word from a Student… I’m an upcoming sophomore at DigiPen Institute. I took the first year of the [Art & Animation Program](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/wanic-art-animation/) at DigiPen WANIC during my senior year of high school, and it really helped me out with my first year of DigiPen. The WANIC course I took and DigiPen’s BFA program share a lot of assignments, with the only difference being that WANIC gives more time for each assignment, so it basically gives college-level assignments without the college-level stress. It’s a great way for students to get a feel for what a college class in their desired field would look like, and of course, it looks great on college applications! DigiPen Academy WANIC is fun, beneficial, and I’d highly recommend it for students who are looking to further their education in a specific field! *– Mason, Student* ## President’s Technology Academy Scholarship The DigiPen President’s Technology Academy Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship equal to 50% of collegiate tuition, open to Technology Academy students who have made the decision to attend DigiPen Institute of Technology. **Deadline March 1.** [ scholarship information ](https://academy.digipen.edu/presidents-technology-academy-scholarship/)### Looking for WANIC Summer Programs? Our three-week programs during the summer are exploratory and introductory. [ WANIC Summer Programs ](https://academy.digipen.edu/academic-programs/wanic-summer-programs/)## WANIC Student Showcase #### Play Games made by WANIC students on Itch.io [ Play Games ](https://digipen-academy-wanic.itch.io/)### Learn more about our programs with these inspiring stories from past students and showcase reels. Play Video #### WANIC Showcase Reel 2025 Play Video ###### WANIC Showcase 2024 Play Video ###### WANIC @ DigiPen Art & Animation Play Video ###### WANIC @ DigiPen Game Design Play Video ###### WANIC @ DigiPen Music & Sound Design Play Video ###### WANIC @ DigiPen Video Game Programming