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. 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.
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, Data Analytics, Game Design, Video Game Programming, and 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.
About WANIC Skill Center
The Washington Network for Innovative Careers (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
There are five tracks for WANIC Programs:
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, afternoon or after-school sessions.
To register for a WANIC program, you must attend an online WANIC information session. If you do not see session dates and details at the bottom of this page, please visit the WANIC website for dates and registration information.
Full Year applications are open early February.
Summer applications are open middle of April.
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.
Students must attend an information session at DigiPen as a requisite to their application with WANIC.
- Video Game Programming requires Algebra 2 or instructor permission
- Data Analytics & Visualization requires Algebra 2 or instructor permission
Credits:
For the 2023-2024 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.
See WANIC website for more information on credits.
Instructors:
Our instructors 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.
Category:
WANIC
Timeframe:
School Year
Format:
Onsite
Program Dates:
September to June
Registration:
Open February
Location:
DigiPen Institute, Redmond Campus
Schedule:
For schedule, see the WANIC website.
Tuition:
No tuition costs/fees; funded by the State
How to Register:
RSVP for a required Info Session to learn more about the programs. See Info Session dates below.
WANIC Summer Programs Overview
WANIC Skill Center also offers three-week DigiPen Academy programs during the summer. See our FAQ page or WANIC Summer Program for more information.
Summer applications are open middle of April.
Please contact us at (425) 629-5007 or academy@digipen.edu for more information on WANIC Summer Programs.
Timeframe:
Summer
Format:
Onsite
Program Dates:
June - July 2024
Registration:
Open April 2024
Location:
DigiPen Institute, Redmond Campus
Schedule:
For schedule, see the WANIC website.
We offer five program tracks that prepare students for college
The program focuses on building a strong foundation of traditional arts skills, critical animation principles and techniques.
This program explores complex real-world data, mathematical topics and the use of artificial intelligence tools to automate analysis processes.
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.
For students who want to pursue a career as a game developer, this signature program provides a solid foundation.
This program focuses on the creative and technical aspects of music and sound design, production, and implementation.
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.
2024 WANIC Info Session Dates:
- Monday: January 22nd
- Wednesday: February 21st
- Wednesday: March 27th
- Monday: April 22nd
- Wednesday: May 15th
- Monday: June 10th
- *Wednesday: July 24th
- *Monday: August 12th
*Subject to Cancellation