Quinnipiac University
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Pre-College Summer Programs

Game Design and eSports Lab

This 2-week summer program introduces high school students to academic game design and eSports as potential career paths. Participants will spend the mornings learning the process of brainstorming, designing, developing and testing games before shifting their attention in the afternoons and focusing on how to participate in and manage eSports teams and competitions.

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Overview

There is no denying it anymore: online gaming is here to stay. In just a few decades, online gaming has exploded to become a multi-billion-dollar industry and one of the most profitable industries on the planet. If you have an interest in online gaming, there are a variety of different careers that will allow you to make your hobby a part of your job

In this summer program presented by Quinnipiac's Game Design & Development Program, high school students will have the opportunity to learn about game design and eSports management. The program will be split into two parts: the mornings are dedicated to exploring the game design process through hands-on activities and projects and the afternoons are spent learning about the eSports industry, its potential successes and challenges and the management of teams and competitions. There is also a special focus put on discussing how to make online games and the online gaming industry inclusive to all.

At the end of this program, you’ll walk away with:
  • An understanding of the online gaming industry and potential career paths to inspire your personal, academic and professional aspirations within game design and eSports

  • Hands-on experience with the game design process from brainstorming to design to development to testing

  • Knowledge of how to manage eSports teams and competitions successfully and inclusively

Program Dates and Schedule

July 8, 2024 - July 19, 2024

Sample Daily Schedule: This is only a sample schedule and is subject to change due to a variety of factors.

Time Activity Detail

9 a.m.

Workshop Session: Game Design

Led by QU professors, students dive into the various stages of the game design process through engaging lessons and activities.

11 a.m.

Game Design Project Block

Put what you have learned into practice on a hands-on game design project.

Noon

Lunch

Eat and socialize with your classmates.

1 p.m.

Workshop Session: eSports

Learn more about the rapidly growing industry of eSports and how to manage teams and events.

3 p.m.

Group Discussion

“What does making an inclusive game mean?”

“How can we ensure eSports is inclusive across gender identities and ability levels?”

These are just a few of the questions we will touch on during the program.

4 p.m.

Review and Debrief Meeting

A chance to reflect and discuss the day as well as look to the days ahead.

4:30 p.m.

Day Program Ends

Dismissal for commuter students.

5 p.m.

Dinner

Dinner will be provided for those students with full room and board.

6 p.m.

Evening Activities (Group Recreation in our new Recreation and Wellness Center, Games, Guest Speakers, Independent and Group Enrichment Projects)

The evening is reserved for overnight students to have fun, experience our on-campus amenities, and bond with each other and staff through organized enrichment activities and group eSports sessions.

10 p.m.

Quiet Time

 

 

Weekend Programming and Excursions

In addition to the daily schedule listed above, our two-week programs offer organized trips and excursions during the weekends. Last summer, program attendees spent time in our local community while mini golfing, visiting the Mystic Aquarium and shopping in New Haven. 

Field trips and weekend excursions may vary by program and session. 

Participation Requirements

Participants must be current high school students. Typically, participants are between the ages of 15 to 18 years of age at the start of the program. 

Equipment and Materials

Quinnipiac University will provide all required materials, including laptops, for students within this program. Students are welcome to bring their own laptops or other devices for use outside of instruction periods or with the approval of their instructor.

Program Costs

Option 1: 2-week overnight program from Sunday to Saturday. Includes full room and board as well as evening and weekend activities: $3,360

Option 2: 2-week on-campus commuter program from Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Includes lunch daily: $2,400

Both options offer:

  • Two weeks of faculty-designed programs taught on-campus with educational support staff

  • Technology and software support

  • A Quinnipiac T-shirt

  • A digital badge for use on social media, resumes or portfolios

  • Access to special Quinnipiac Admissions events

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Discounts and Financial Aid

Partial financial support may be available for those who indicate the need for financial assistance in their online application. Financial support awards are based on a combination of financial need and academic merit.

We are pleased to offer a 10% discount on all summer camps and experiences to current Quinnipiac employees, Quinnipiac alumni and employees of our corporate partners.

Application and Payment Deadlines

Space is limited per session; applications are reviewed when they are received and students are accepted on a rolling basis. 

Registration: Students must register for summer programs prior to June 2, 2024.

Deposits: All students must submit a non-refundable $250 deposit at the time of registration to ensure a spot is reserved for 30 days.

Payment: Payment is due within 30 days of applying to fully register for a program.

Payment Methods and Refund/Cancellation Policy

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How to Register for Summer Programs

  1. Visit our registration page
  2. Create a new account or log in to your existing account
  3. Select the program(s) you wish to enroll in and click "Continue"
  4. Complete your registration details
  5. You will receive an email confirming space is available and providing information about next steps, such as how to make payment and completing the final required registration steps. If a program is full, a waitlist option will be provided.

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Our Program Instructors

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions among prospective students and families regarding our summer programs. If you can't find an answer to your question, please contact us and we'd be happy to chat.

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Accommodations

Quinnipiac University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act as an institution of higher education. Students who have a current IEP or 504 plan are encouraged to share any accommodations or modifications they may require in order to access the fundamentals of a QU summer program or camp they plan to attend.

Students requesting disability-based accommodations should indicate this within the application as well as email summerprograms@qu.edu about any and all specific accommodation needs.

 

Rules & Regulations

Read Quinnipiac University’s Summer Camp and Pre-College Program Policies