Computer Science Workshop
Jump-start your journey into computer science! Join us for three days of hands-on learning, expert-led workshops, team challenges, and fun activities designed to spark curiosity and fuel your passion for technology. Explore the fundamentals of computer science, problem-solving, and real-world applications in our state-of-the-art computer labs.
This experience goes beyond the keyboard, offering a firsthand look at college life through exclusive campus tours and enjoying meals in our dining facilities alongside your peers. Choose to participate as a daily commuter or select the residential option and stay on campus in a supervised residence hall.
The Computer Science Workshop is open to high school students entering grades 9-12 for the 2026-27 school year. There are no pre-requisite courses or experience needed. If you can turn on a computer, you are ready for this workshop.
On the last day, family and friends are invited to a project demonstration, where you'll showcase your new skills!
About the Computer Science Workshop
Whether you’re just starting or already passionate about technology, the Computer Science Workshop will challenge, inspire, and prepare you for success in a world driven by innovation. All levels of experience are welcome. Select from one of the following tracks to dive into a specific area of interest.
Computer Game Programming: From Scratch to PyGame!
Turn your creativity into code! Explore the world of game development, starting with Scratch and advancing to PyGame. Along the way, you’ll build fun and interactive projects like Scratch Clicker, The Amazing Scratch Game, Duck Hunter, and Pioneer Clicker—all while learning core programming fundamentals in an engaging, game-driven way. The workshop culminates in an epic Game-a-thon, where you will develop your own game—either solo or as part of a team—to showcase for family and friends. Get ready to play, create, and level up your coding skills.
Cybersecurity - Explore, Defend, and Hack Ethically!
Explore the world of digital security through interactive lessons, hands-on activities, and fun challenges as you learn how to protect systems, detect cyber threats, and think like ethical hackers. At the end of the week, you’ll apply everything you’ve learned through an exciting Cyber Escape Room and Capture the Flag Challenge. Get ready to solve puzzles, break codes, and defend against cyber threats while having fun!
Automate All the Things!
We’re living in a golden age of home automation: everything from lawnmowers to slow cookers are available as programmable devices. In this workshop we’ll work with Home Assistant, a python backed Open-Source automation framework with support for automating more than 2,000 different devices including controllers for Google Home and Alexa. You will examine how to connect and control devices in the lab, then work on your own project to program a color lightbulb with a sensor. When we’re done, you will show off your automation talents with a light show for family and friends. Get ready to build smart solutions through home automation!
GenAI
Description of track.
Registration
Register to participate as a daily commuter or select the residential option and stay on campus in a supervised residence hall.
Commuter
To participate as a daily commuter student, the total cost is $100.
- $50 application fee (due at registration)
- $50 commuter programming fee
Below is a sample schedule of daily activities throughout the week. Please note the different schedule for Wednesday afternoon.
Monday and Tuesday
- 8:30–9 a.m. Arrival and free time in lab
- 9–11:30 a.m. Morning workshop session (snack provided)
- 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Lunch
- 12:30–4 p.m. Afternoon workshop session (snack provided)
- 4–4:30 p.m. Free time in lab and pick up
Wednesday
- 8:30–9 a.m. Arrival and free time in lab
- 9–11:30 a.m. Morning workshop session (snack provided)
- 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Lunch
- 12:30–3 p.m. Project set up and visit other workshops
- 3–4:30 p.m. Project open house for family/friends and pick up
Residential
To participate as a residential student, the total cost is $325.
- $50 application fee (due at registration)
- $275 residential programming fee
Below is a sample schedule of daily activities throughout the week. Please note the different schedules for Sunday evening and Wednesday afternoon.
Sunday
- 6–7 p.m. Drop-off and check-in to residence hall (no dinner)
Monday and Tuesday
- 7–8:30 a.m. Morning routine and breakfast
- 8:30–9 a.m. Free time in lab
- 9–11:30 a.m. Morning workshop session (snack provided)
- 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Lunch
- 12:30–4 p.m. Afternoon workshop session (snack provided)
- 4–4:30 p.m. Free time in lab
- 4:30–5:30 p.m. Dinner
- 5:30–7 p.m. Planned activities and events
- 7–9:30 p.m. Supervised social, game and free time (game systems and portable computing devices welcome)
Wednesday
- 7–8:30 a.m. Morning routine and breakfast
- 8:30–9 a.m. Free time in lab
- 9–11:30 a.m. Morning workshop session (snack provided)
- 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Lunch
- 12:30–3 p.m. Project set up and visit other workshops
- 3–4:30 p.m. Project open house for family/friends and check out of residence hall
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to cover the remaining registration fees; however, please note that the scholarship does not cover the application fee. For additional information, contact Dan Rhode at rhoded@uwplatt.edu.
To request disability accommodations, contact Daniel Rhode at rhoded@uwplatt.edu or 608.342.1651.