Course Selection
Students in College Edge will choose one class each from Block A, Block B and Block C as well as two college-living labs.
After you are accepted to the College Edge 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 to secure your preferred classes.
Block A Course Options
Human-Wildlife Conflict & Coexistence
Examine why conflicts arise between humans and wildlife and how ecological, social, and ethical factors shape solutions. Students analyze global and local case studies to understand patterns of conflict, explore coexistence strategies, and evaluate the role of education, policy, and community engagement in conservation success. Emphasis is placed on developing practical, compassionate solutions that work for both people and wildlife.
The College Brain Through Marvel: Stress, Focus & Growth
Using Marvel heroes as case studies, this psychology-based course explores how the brain responds to stress, responsibility, and transition during the college years. Analyze how characters navigate anxiety, identity, and emotional regulation, then apply those insights to your own academic experiences. Develop practical strategies for managing focus, stress, and motivation while creating a personalized “hero plan” for college success.
Resume, Interview & Workplace Skills for Future Success
Prepare for internships, campus jobs, and future careers by developing essential workplace skills. Learn how to craft a professional resume, practice effective interview techniques, and strengthen communication and professionalism. Through guided practice and feedback, you’ll build confidence and marketability as you prepare for real-world opportunities.
AI for College Success: Executive Function & Productivity
Learn how to use AI responsibly to strengthen executive functioning skills essential for college. Develop goal-setting strategies, time management systems, and ethical digital literacy practices while exploring how AI tools can enhance productivity without replacing critical thinking. This course emphasizes balance, independence, and smart technology use for long-term academic success.
LEGO Robotics: Engineering & Innovation
Explore robotics history and engineering principles while designing and building functional robots using LEGO systems. Apply structured problem-solving and design thinking to create and refine your builds. This course emphasizes analytical thinking and innovation in a collaborative, project-based environment.
Block B Course Options
Boss Battles & Brain Science: The Psychology of Gaming
Analyze how psychological principles shape video game design, player engagement, and gaming culture. Examine motivation, reward systems, habit formation, and social dynamics while reflecting on personal gaming habits. Explore both the benefits and challenges of gaming, including mental health considerations and therapeutic applications. This course builds analytical skills through discussion and applied activities.
Executive Functioning Skills for Academic Persistence
Strengthen the core executive functioning skills that support college persistence: time management, organization, planning, task initiation, working memory, and self-regulation. Learn practical, research-informed strategies to manage academic demands and reduce stress. This skill-based course emphasizes independence, realistic systems, and long-term academic success.
Creative Writing & Worldbuilding Through D&D
Develop advanced creative writing skills through collaborative storytelling using Dungeons & Dragons as a framework. Design complex characters, construct immersive worlds, and craft cohesive narrative arcs while strengthening communication and problem-solving skills. This course emphasizes narrative structure and revision within a structured creative environment.
Moral Ecologies: Animals, Nature & Ethics
This course examines how humans understand and navigate moral relationships with animals and the natural world. Students explore ethical theories, cultural perspectives, and the idea of interconnected moral systems that extend beyond the human sphere. The class encourages reflection on what it means to act ethically in a shared and interdependent world.
Disney, Pop Culture & Media Analysis
Analyze Disney’s global influence through the lens of media studies and marketing. Examine trends in film, music, technology, and digital media while exploring how Disney and its affiliated brands shape contemporary pop culture. Through focused case studies and discussion, evaluate how economic, technological, and social forces drive media production and audience engagement. This course emphasizes critical thinking, media literacy, and deeper analysis of the cultural forces behind the entertainment we consume.
Block C Course Options
Entrepreneurship Academy: Innovation & Business Strategy
This course introduces students to the mindset, skills, and processes required to become successful entrepreneurs. Students learn how to identify problems in society today worth solving, develop and refine business ideas, conduct market research, understand basic business startup costs, and create a business model or business plan. The course emphasizes creativity, teamwork, communication, ethical decision-making, and hands-on experience through a culminating “Entrepreneur Business Idea Pitch Day” team project.
Design Your Own Board Game: From Concept to Creation
Design your own board game and immerse yourself in the exciting world of game creation! This practical course will teach you the fundamentals of storytelling, game rules, and visual design, allowing you to develop your concept alongside your classmates. By the end of the course, you will have a playable prototype and a deeper understanding of how creativity and strategy influence the games we enjoy.
Prep for Success: Building College Level Reading Skills
Prepare for the rigor of college coursework by developing advanced reading strategies for dense academic texts. Practice annotation, argument analysis, synthesis across sources, and workload management techniques. Explore assistive technology tools and metacognitive strategies that support comprehension and retention. This course emphasizes independence and transferable academic skills.
Music in Media: Film, Television & Video Games
This course introduces students to the role of music in film, television, and video games. Through selected examples from popular media, students explore how music shapes storytelling, emotion, and audience experience. Topics include how music contributes to storytelling, emotional impact, and audience experience across film, television, and video games.
Light & Science: Physics Through Star Wars
Investigate the science of light refraction through a Star Wars–themed lightsaber duel experience. Explore how light behaves, bends, and interacts with materials while conducting structured experiments. Strengthen scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills through hands-on application.
College-Living Labs
Personal Finance
Gain essential skills in managing your money and building a strong financial foundation. This workshop covers budgeting, saving, and understanding credit so you can make informed financial decisions during college and beyond. You’ll learn practical tips for keeping your finances in check, from setting spending limits to planning for emergencies.
Understanding College Rules & Regulations
College comes with its own set of rules, expectations, and guidelines. In this workshop, you’ll explore key policies on attendance, academic integrity, housing, and other areas that can affect your college experience. Understanding these regulations will help you navigate your new environment confidently and avoid common pitfalls.
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.
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.