Computer Science Workshop
Jump-start your journey into computer science, software engineering, and cybersecurity! 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, alongside faculty, staff, and current students from the UW-Platteville Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering. You'll also select a workshop track to learn more about game development, cybersecurity or AI.
This experience goes beyond the keyboard, offering a firsthand look at college life through exclusive campus tours and enjoying meals in our dining facilities with 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.
Game Development with Meta Quest VR
Step into the world of virtual reality by learning how to build your own VR games with the Meta Quest! In this hands-on workshop, you will design virtual environments, experiment with VR interactions, and explore what makes immersive games fun to play. You will test and refine your creations just like real game developers do. By the end, you will have helped create a VR experience ready for future student projects.
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!
AI Builders Bootcamp
Build, run, and experiment with the same kind of AI powering today’s biggest tech breakthroughs. In this hands-on workshop, you will run local and frontier AI models on high-performance computers to chat with AI, build your own AI agents, and even generate code. You will use tools similar to those used by real AI developers while exploring how these systems actually work. Along the way, we will also explore the big ethical questions that come with creating powerful technology.
Registration
Register as a daily commuter or select the residential option and stay on campus in a supervised residence hall.
Scholarships are available to cover the workshop fee; however, please note that the scholarship does not cover the application fee. For additional information, contact Dan Rhode at rhoded@uwplatt.edu.
Commuter: $100
To participate as a daily commuter student, the total cost is $100 and includes an application fee, daily snacks and lunch, and workshop materials.
- $50 application fee (due at registration)
- $50 commuter workshop fee (scholarship eligible)
Residential: $325
To participate as a residential student, the total cost is $325 and includes an application fee, three nights of supervised on-campus housing, all meals and snacks, and workshop materials. As part of this "full college experience," residential particiants will be staying in Bridgeway Commons and take part in planned evening activities.
- $50 application fee (due at registration)
- $275 residential workshop fee (scholarship eligible)
Schedule
Below is a sample schedule of daily events. Please note activities specific to commuter or residential, as well as the different schedules for Sunday evening and Wednesday afternoon.
Sunday, June 21
- 6–7 p.m. Drop-off and check-in to residence hall for residential students (no dinner)
Monday and Tuesday, June 22–23
- 7–8:30 a.m. Morning routine and breakfast for residential students
- 8:30–9 a.m. Arrival for commuter students and free time in lab
- 9–11:30 a.m. Morning workshop session
- 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Lunch
- 12:30–4 p.m. Afternoon workshop session
- 4–4:30 p.m. Free time in lab and pick up for commuter students
- 4:30–9:30 p.m. Dinner and evening activities for residential students
Wednesday, June 24
- 7–8:30 a.m. Morning routine and breakfast for residential students
- 8:30–9 a.m. Arrival for commuter students and free time in lab
- 9–11:30 a.m. Morning workshop session
- 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 or check out of residence hall
To request disability accommodations, contact Daniel Rhode at rhoded@uwplatt.edu or 608.342.1651.