Students in the Exploration Track will choose one class each from Block A, Block B and Block C. Students in all tracks must choose three of the five available independent living skills courses. After you are accepted to the Summer for Success program, you will be invited to complete your course selection online. Courses will fill up, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible if you are interested in specific courses below.
Block A Course Options
- Caring for Animals – CLOSED
Do you have a special bond with animals? Come explore animal husbandry and welfare science as you work with our resident animals in Beacon’s Anthrozoology Lab. You’ll share in every aspect of their overall care. This course includes a capstone project.
- Introduction to College Math
Nearly half of all college students fail freshmen math. But nearly all Beacon students complete their math requirement! This course will introduce you to key mathematic strategies and the essential skills needed to be successful in college math. You must have successfully completed geometry in high school to select this course.
- Introduction to College Reading – WAIT LIST ONLY
One of the major shifts from high school to college is the amount of out-of-class required reading. This course will introduce you to a wide variety of college-level texts — textbooks, novels, articles, or primary sources — and new strategies to enhance global reading skills.
- Introduction to Robotics – WAIT LIST ONLY
This is an overview of the history, technology, and processes associated with automation and robotics. Explore the engineering design process, learn problem-solving and programming skills to build and code robots to solve real-world, project-based activities.
- Visual Journaling – WAIT LIST ONLY
Explore the art of visual journaling as it relates to your unique experiences while attending Beacon’s Summer for Success Program. Creative expression and communication will be explored through drawing, painting, collage, writing and sketch notetaking.
- Web & Digital Media Design – WAIT LIST ONLY
Learn the basics of website design by experimenting with web essentials and developing your own website with tools such as wix.com. You’ll also explore digital design best practices, including how to create a professional and effective social media presence.
- Introduction to Videography
What does it take to create a TV show — or a short Tik-Tok video? Find out in this course! You’ll brainstorm ideas, script, shoot video, capture audio and perform on camera — plus perform a green screen project with editing using Adobe Premiere®.
Block B Course Options
- Career Exploration – WAIT LIST ONLY
Career planning is an essential part of the college experience. In this course, you’ll take assessments to better understand your passions and skills, explore career paths, learn the basics of résumés and cover letters — and practice the social skills needed to interview.
- Digital Illustration – WAIT LIST ONLY
Get your creative juices flowing as you create images in Adobe Illustrator®. Discover the power of visual communications as you design images to meet specific goals and learn techniques to create effective messages to inspire, problem solve and motivate. Includes a capstone project.
- Human Behavior & Society – WAIT LIST ONLY
Explore human behavior through the lens of biology, psychology, and the social environment. Study the theories behind human behavior in different social settings and explore its impact on larger social issues such as oppression, racism, and violence.
- Introduction to College Reading
One of the major shifts from high school to college is the amount of out-of-class required reading. This course will introduce you to a wide variety of college-level texts — textbooks, novels, articles, or primary sources — and new strategies to enhance global reading skills.
- The History of Video Games – WAIT LIST ONLY
Tennis for Two was dubbed the first video game in 1958. Today, video games are a billion-dollar empire that connects people from around the world. This course will explore the vast history of video games, diving deeper into the development of different systems, themes, and technology.
- Writing Strategies – WAIT LIST ONLY
Do you struggle with writing and reading? In college, you’ll need to take at least one intensive writing class. This course will help you develop strategies to improve your understanding of academic text when writing and reading, and how to organize and plan your studies.
- Web & Digital Media Design – WAIT LIST ONLY
Learn the basics of website design by experimenting with web essentials and developing your own website with tools such as wix.com. You’ll also explore digital design best practices, including how to create a professional and effective social media presence.
Block C Course Options
- College Readiness 101 (Seniors) – WAIT LIST ONLY
Learn to successfully navigate college life — in and out of the classroom! We will help you develop practical strategies and explore typical situations you’ll face in your first semester away. We’ll help you prepare for social interaction, build your study skills and more.
- College Exploration (Juniors)
It’s never too early to start your college search! Our introduction to the “Top 10 Tools” will help students learn how to search, evaluate and rank potential colleges to attend.
- Hospitality & Event Management
Discover why hospitality is the world’s top industry and why Central Florida is one of the world’s most popular places for concerts, shows, and sporting events. Includes a capstone event project.
- Human Behavior & Criminology – WAIT LIST ONLY
Explore the complex web of factors contributing to criminal behavior. Topics may include personality development, risk factors, social/cultural pressures, deviant behavior, and the DSM classification method of mental disorders.
- Introduction to Videography – WAIT LIST ONLY
What does it take to create a TV show — or a short Tik-Tok video? Find out in this course! You’ll brainstorm ideas, script, shoot video, capture audio and perform on camera — plus perform a green screen project with editing using Adobe Premiere®.
- Wildlife and Field Conservation – WAIT LIST ONLY
Wildlife is all around you. Investigate local wildlife species by conducting observations at a local green space, document your observations using a professional field journal, and explore Project WILD programs. Includes a capstone project.
- Writing Strategies – WAIT LIST ONLY
In college, you’llneed to take at least one intensive writing class. This course will help you develop strategies to improve your understanding of academic text when writing and reading, and how to organize and plan your studies.
Independent Living Skills Course Options
- Financial Management
Dealing with the financial independence that comes with college can be challenging. Many students aren’t prepared for the consequences of overspending or know how to create a college living budget. This seminar focuses on money management “best practices” to build your awareness of smart spending and teach you the fundamentals of financial literacy.
- The Basics of Cooking
You don’t have to turn to the Food Network to learn to cook! This seminar series will explore easy recipes that the whole family can enjoy. You’ll look at food safety fundamentals, learn meal preparation tips and tricks, and see cooking demonstrations to enhance culinary creativity.
- Emotional Self-Care
The transition to college can be stressful and can challenge your mental well-being. This seminar series looks at strategies around emotional self-care. You’ll learn helpful mindfulness techniques, new ways of processing your thoughts and emotions, and prosocial behaviors to enhance your personal well-being.
- Essentials of Community Living
Learn the fundamentals of creating an organized and clean living space in a college residence hall. You’ll participate in practical strategies and learn to better understand how to independently manage your own living space.
- Group Workouts
Staying active is key to mental and physical well-being at every stage of life. You’ll participate in daily fitness classes and explore different ways to work out and remain healthy. Classes will range from cardiovascular exercises to yoga and Zumba.
- Mastering College Relationships
Socialization and establishing age-appropriate relationships are some of the biggest worries of both students and families in the transition to college. Mastering College Relationships focuses on techniques and practical experiences to overcome this concern. It includes active role playing, challenging tasks, and reflections.
