Computer Science Professor Richard Ladner interacts with Summer Academy students

Summer Academy FAQ

  1. Is the Summer Academy like a summer camp program in computers?
    The Summer Academy is an academic program, which is very different from a summer camp program. The Summer Academy is designed for deaf and hard of hearing students seriously considering a career in computing. There is a rigorous application process, and only the most qualified persons will be admitted. If you are looking for a fun, relaxed and entertaining summer, look elsewhere. If you are interested in a quality summer program in computing and are prepared to work and study hard, then this program may be for you.
  2. Is it true? The Summer Academy will provide free tuition, transportation, and room and board?
    Yes, through a grant from the National Science Foundation, Johnson Family Foundation and other donors, students accepted in the program will receive tuition, transportation (round trip from a major airport nearest the student's home to Seattle, Washington), and room & board.
  3. What classes would I be taking during the Summer Academy?
    If you are accepted into the program, you will take a computer programming course for college credit, and a certificate course in Animation. (Students in high school will take a JavaScript programming class, while students already in college will take a Computer Programming I class. Students who have already completed a college level Computer Programming I class may take advanced classes available during the summer quarter). In the Animation class, you will learn some of the technology and techniques used to produce modern computer-generated animated movies, and as a member of a team, produce an animated short.
  4. I am a senior in college/I am a graduate student. Is this program for me?
    This program was designed for deaf and hard of hearing students who are ready to enter college or in their freshman, sophomore or junior years of college, so long as they are over 18 years of age, with some exceptions (see #5). However, if you are interested in part-time temporary employment with the Summer Academy, please see Question 12 below.
  5. I am under 18. Is this program for me?
    Exceptional students ages 16 and 17 may be accepted under specific conditions and waivers. Please follow the same application procedures. If accepted, parents will be asked to sign a waiver that indicates their understanding and agreement there will not be a dormitory supervisor and that their student will be expected to behave and follow the rules as if they were an adult. If you are under 16, see #10 below.
  6. I'm not a Computer Science major. Would I be eligible for this program?
    The Summer Academy program is designed for students who are either seriously considering a major in one of the computing fields or currently majoring in a computing field. If you are considering changing your major to a computing field, do apply.
  7. I sent my application via the website. Am I done?
    Your application is complete when we receive your
    1. application,
    2. reference letter from teacher or professor,
    3. PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores,
    4. transcript, and
    5. parent/guardian consent form (if you are under 18 at the time of application).
    Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  8. I have a disability in addition to being deaf or hard of hearing. Am I still eligible to apply?
    Your primary disability must be that you are deaf, deaf-blind or hard of hearing. If you have a secondary disability, there is no need to disclose it at this time. At the time of notification of acceptance into the Summer Academy, you will be required to provide documentation to the University of Washington's Disability Resources for Students (DRS) office. They will arrange for interpreters, captioning, assistive listening devices or other accommodations/equipment as necessary. Should you have any additional permanent or temporary physical, sensory or psychological disabilities that might require accommodation, this can be discussed with DRS; please be prepared to provide documentation.
  9. I am deaf-blind. Will I be able to participate in the Animation class?
    The Summer Academy has provided tactile interpreters and equipment adaptations for deaf-blind students in the past, and we hope to have deaf-blind students in the future. However, it is important to note that one of the two classes offered during the Summer Academy is an Animation class, which is by nature visually oriented, and requires the use of software that maximizes the visual capabilities of the medium. While it is technically possible to use the software in tandem with screen magnification software, it becomes functionally unusable at magnifications greater than 3x. If you feel that you may have difficulty viewing images on a computer monitor with magnification of 3x or less, please contact us for further discussion about your ability to benefit from the Summer Academy program.
  10. I have a son/daughter who is under 16 years of age. What opportunities are there for him/her?
    Check into the DO-IT Pals and DO-IT Scholars programs. DO-IT is a program located at the University of Washington that serves to increase the participation of individuals with disabilities, including those who are deaf, deaf-blind or hard of hearing, in challenging academic programs and careers, and promotes the use of computer and networking technologies to increase independence, productivity, and participation in education and employment. The Pals program is an electronic community of teens with disabilities planning for college and careers. Frequent electronic mail and personal contacts with Mentors support DO-IT Pals' academic, career, and personal goals. Mentors are college students, faculty, and practicing engineers, scientists, and other professionals. Many DO-IT Mentors have disabilities themselves. Experienced DO-IT Pals also develop and practice communication and leadership skills by acting as peer mentors for incoming DO-IT Pals. They make friends and motivate each other to achieve their goals. The DO-IT Scholars program includes a two-week live-in program at the University of Washington for eligible high school sophomores and juniors.
  11. Are there any volunteer opportunities at the 2010 Summer Academy?
    Regretfully, there are no volunteer positions available.
  12. Are there any jobs available at the 2010 Summer Academy?
    Please see the Jobs page for information about current positions.