STEAM Design & Engineering Camp Unlock your creativity and problem-solving skills this summer with hands-on design, featuring innovative projects in our Matt’s Maker Space!
Sunday, July 27 - Friday, August 1, 2025 | Resident & Commuter Options
Join Assistant Professor Dr. Kelly Pascarella of the School of Education and Assistant Director Matt Henderson, a STEAM Design Teacher for Upper St. Clair School District, for an immersive, hands-on experience in human-centered design and engineering. This week-long program challenges students to think creatively, develop problem-solving skills, and explore innovative design solutions using cutting-edge technology.
To participate in this exciting program, students must be entering grades 9-12 as of Fall 2025 and/or be a 2025 high school graduate. No prior experience is necessary in order to participate.
Students should plan to bring their own PC or MacBook with charger daily.
This program is open to the first 16 students who complete the registration and pay their deposit.
Important Dates:
Residential and Commuter Check-In: Sunday, July 27 from 1 - 4 pm
6 pm: Dinner
Program Start Date: Monday, July 28
Program End Date: Friday, August 1
Residential Move-Out: Friday, August 1 (evening) or Saturday, August 2 (morning)
Program Overview:
- Learn the fundamentals of human-centered design and problem-solving
- Engage in both low-tech and high-tech prototyping
- Utilize industry-standard tools like Tinkercad, Arduino, and 3D printing
- Collaborate with peers on engineering-based projects
- Develop storytelling techniques to present design solutions
- Showcase final projects in an interactive exhibition
Daily Class Outlook:
| Time | Activity |
| 9 - 9:15 am | Ice-Breaker Activity, Introduction |
| 9:15 - 10:30 am | Introduction to the virtual world (with CENT) |
| 10:30 - 10:45 am | Break |
| 10:45 am - 12:15 pm | Building the virtual world (with CENT) |
| 12:15 - 12:45 pm | Lunch |
| 12:45 - 2:15 | Empathy discussion: avatar creation (with CENT) |
| 2:15 - 2:30 pm | Break |
| 2:30 - 4:00 pm | Intro to storytelling about the avatar (with CENT) |
| Time | Activity |
| 9 - 9:15 am | Ice-Breaker Activity |
| 9:15 - 10:30 am | What is Design Thinking? |
| 10:30 - 10:45 am | Break |
| 10:45 am - 12:15 pm | Introduction to Prototyping |
| 12:15 - 12:45 pm | Lunch |
| 12:45 - 2:15 pm | Low tech prototyping |
| 2:15 - 2:30 pm | Break |
| 2:30 - 4:00 pm | High-Tech Prototyping |
| Time | Activity |
| 9 - 9:15 am | Ice-Breaker Activity |
| 9:15 - 10:30 am | 3D Design & Printing- Deep Dive |
| 10:30 - 10:45 am | Break |
| 10:45 am - 12:15 pm | 3D Printing |
| 12:15 - 12:45 pm | Lunch |
| 12:45 - 2:15 pm | Design & Printing - Basic Programming & Simple Circuits |
| 2:15 - 2:30 pm | Break |
| 2:30 - 4:00 pm | Design & Printing: Choose Your Pathway |
| Time | Activity |
| 9 - 9:15 am | Ice-Breaker Activity |
| 9:15 - 10:30 am | Refining Projects |
| 10:30 - 10:45 am | Break |
| 10:45 am - 12:15 pm | Group Work Session |
| 12:15 - 12:45 pm | Lunch |
| 12:45 - 2:15 pm | Testing and Iteration |
| 2:15 - 2:30 pm | Break |
| 2:30 - 4:00 pm | Prepare for Showcase |
| Time | Activity |
| 9 - 9:15 am | Ice-Breaker Activity |
| 9:15 - 10:30 am | AI Storytelling/Presentation Final Touches (with CENT) |
| 10:30 - 10:45 am | Break |
| 10:45 am - 12:15 pm | AI Storytelling/Presentation Final Touches, Showcase setup (with CENT) |
| 12:15 - 12:45 pm | Lunch |
| 12:45 - 2:15 pm | Final Showcase |
| 2:15 - 2:30 pm | Break |
| 2:30 - 4:00 pm | Reflection and Feedback |
Dorm & Meals Information:
When applicable, residential students receive 3 meals on weekdays and 2 meals on weekends. Commuters receive a daily lunch buffet. All meals take place in our Lawrence Hall Dining Room.
| BREAKDOWN | COST |
| Deposit | $100 |
| Tuition | $700 |
| Total Commuter | $800.00 |
| Add-On: Room/Board | $750 |
| Total Resident | $1,550.00 |
Available Discounts:
1. A 30% tuition discount is currently offered to Point Park University employees, alumni, and their immediate family members. Family is defined as yourself, your spouse, and/or your children. Dorm and meal plan costs are not available for this discount.
2. Enroll a participant in more than one program or register more than one child from the same family to receive $50.00 off your balance. This coupon can only be applied to one program or account.
Welcome to our campus!
All classes will be held on campus at Point Park University.
Address:
Point Park University
201 Wood Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
The option to live on campus is available to students at least 14 years old on the start date of the program. We will do our best to fulfill roommate requests, but requests are NOT guaranteed. Students will have the opportunity to enter requests during the registration process.
Each residence hall has multiple points of secure access to student living areas, such as keycards, access codes, and lock and key. Students attending our workshop will stay in Thayer Hall. Thayer Hall offers double and triple occupancy rooms. A packing list will be sent closer to the workshop. Please be aware that bed linens (twin / extra-long linens) will need to be supplied by the student.
Adult Resident Assistants (RAs) live on campus to supervise students who are minors. Each RA is responsible for eight to ten minors.
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| summercamps@pointpark.edu | |
| Call | 412-392-3456 |
| Connect |   |