Summer Academy FAQ
- 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. - Is it true? The Summer Academy will provide free tuition, transportation, and room and board?
Yes, through grants from the National Science Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Johnson Scholarship 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. - 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. Based on their academic transcripts, students will be placed in a computer programming class that best matches their knowledge and skills. In the Animation class, students will learn some of the technology and techniques used to produce modern computer-generated animated movies, and as team members, produce an animated short.
* Credits from the University of Washington can be transferred to other colleges and universities, subject to the transfer policies of the college or university.
- 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 16 below. - I am under 18. Is this program for me?
Exceptional students ages 16 (as of June 21, 2013) 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 that students will not be chaperoned (although there will be adult resident advisers available at the dorm) and that their student will be expected to behave and follow the rules as if they were an adult. If you are 15 or under, see Question 14 below. - I’m currently a high school freshman or sophomore. Am I eligible to apply?
Students who are currently sophomores in high school are welcome to apply, however, those who are currently juniors and seniors in high school, and freshmen and sophomores in college, will receive preference in admission. - I'm in college now, but I'm not a Computer Science major. Would I be eligible for this program?
Yes. The Summer Academy program is designed to encourage students to consider computer science as a career. If you are currently majoring in math or science and want to explore the possibility of majoring in one of the computing fields, do apply. - I am a freshman or sophomore in college, and my college academic transcript does not cover two years. Is that OK?
You will need to arrange for your high school to send us your high school academic transcript or grade report as well, as this will give us a better picture of your academic capabilities than a college academic transcript covering only a year or less. You can use the same form provided in the right hand column of the “Application” tab, “Transcript Request Form”. - Who should I get recommendations from?
Because the Summer Academy is a program rooted in computing, at least one of your recommendations should be from a math, science or computing teacher or instructor. The other recommendation (you can submit more than two) can be from another math, science or computing instructor, but can also be from another teacher, instructor, supervisor, volunteer coordinator or school administrator that knows you well. A recommendation from an interpreter will not be accepted. - I sent my application via the website. Am I done?
Your application is complete when we receive your- Application,
- Two (2) reference letters from teachers or instructors (with at least one letter from a math or science instructor),
- PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores,
- Academic transcript(s), and
- Parent/guardian consent form (if you are under 18 at the time of application).
- 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 (e.g., extra testing time), this can be discussed with DRS; please be prepared to provide documentation. - 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. - I am not a citizen of the United States. Am I eligible to apply to the Summer Academy? Students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States may apply to the Summer Academy, but must provide proof of eligibility to reside in the United States, such as a student visa.
- I have a son/daughter who is 15 or under. 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 living in Washington state; the application deadline is January 10, 2013. - Are there any volunteer opportunities at the Summer Academy?
Regretfully, there are no volunteer positions available. - Are there any jobs available at the Summer Academy?
Please see the Jobs page for information about available positions.