Our high school summer courses introduce students to possible careers
DigiPen Academy offers courses for high school students in an intensive 3-week session during the summer. These rigorous academic courses are designed to give students a head start on their post-secondary studies, and add depth to their college applications.
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 may gain exposure to a collegiate environment on the Institute campus, and have access to opportunities like college mentoring and shadowing.
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
WANIC Summer Courses Overview
WANIC Skill Center also offers three-week DigiPen Academy courses during the summer.
Apply and view the details of the application process at the WANIC Summer Courses website.
Please contact us at (425) 629-5007 or academy@digipen.edu for more information.
Summary:
- Courses are In-Person
- The Summer Semester is exploratory and introductory.
- Available to in-consortium rising 9th-12th grade students and elibible home school and private school students (see below).
- Students must have their own lunch and transportation.
- No tuition or application fees.
Courses and Course Locations:
Depending on the course, it may be in either DigiPen Institute of Technology OR Lake Washington High School. Please check individual course pages to confirm.
Application Window:
Applications for WANIC Summer Semester 2026 are OPEN Tuesday March 24 (9:00 a.m.) - Thursday April 23 (3:00 p.m.).
Dates are subject to change. See WANIC Summer Timeline for more details.
Eligibility:
- Open to students entering 9-12th grade and enrolled in the WANIC consortium: Bellevue, Issaquah, Lake Washington, Mercer Island, Northshore, Riverview, and Snoqualmie Valley School Districts.
- Home school and private school students must register with their local public high school. The students ID number provided by your school district is required information at the time of application.
- No out-of-consortium students will be accepted for Summer Semester. There are no exceptions.
- Students may not apply for a Summer Semester class they have previously completed.
- WANIC summer programs are fast-paced so students can earn a high school semester of credit in only fourteen days. There is insufficient time for a student to address missed course content if absent more than one day. Learn more about WANIC Summer Courses Attendance Policy.
Application Process:
- Apply Online for Summer Semester during the Application Window. WANIC will run lotteries for placement during the Lottery Window (See Summer Timeline)
- Application window Tuesday March 24 (9:00 a.m.) - Thursday April 23 (3:00 p.m.): applications must be SUBMITTED before the ending date and time.
- Submitting an application is not a guarantee of enrollment.
- WANIC will accept only one application per student. If you have a second course choice, please indicate it on the application.
- For more details, visit WANIC website.
Credits:
For more High School Transcript Information, visit WANIC website.
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.
Please contact us at (425) 629-5007 or academy@digipen.edu for more information on WANIC Summer Courses.
Category:
WANIC
Timeframe:
Summer
Format:
Onsite
Program Dates:
Monday June 29 to Friday July 17, 2026
No school July 3rd
Application Dates:
Tuesday March 24 9:00 a.m. to Thursday April 23 3:00 p.m.
Application:
Apply on the WANIC website.
Location:
DigiPen Institute, Redmond Campus OR Lake Washington High School, depending on course. Please see individual course pages.
Schedule:
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. PST
For more details, see the WANIC website.
Tuition:
No tuition costs/fees; funded by the State
WANIC DigiPen Courses for Summer 2026
Click through to read individual program details.
The 3-week Summer Program introduces students to how digital worlds are constructed and brought to life.
The 3-week Summer Program focuses on building a foundation of traditional arts skills, critical animation principles and techniques.
This 3-week Summer Program focuses on anatomy and form for drawing humans, animals, and original characters.
This 3-week Summer Program is for students who want to explore foundational software engineering processes and problem-solving.
This 3-week Summer Program is for students who want to explore game programming, game art, and music and sound design - the key aspects of creating games.
This 3-week Summer Program focuses on the creative and technical aspects of music and sound design, production, and implementation.