The PTCC Summer Academy is a four-day summer enrichment program for students entering grades 9-12 in fall 2025. The Academy will provide students with an in-depth and hands-on approach to explore future career options through project-based learning.
June 23-26, 2025
8:00am-3:00pm Pine Technical and Community College
*Canoe trip date is Thursday, June 26
Academy Cost The cost of registration for the Academy is $150. Registration includes an Academy t-shirt, light breakfast, and lunch Monday-Wednesday.
Canoe Trip Cost
The cost for the canoe trip is $20 and requires separate registration. The fee covers breakfast, lunch, a PTCC dry bag, round-trip transportation between PTCC and Wild River Outfitters in Grantsburg, as well as canoe, paddle, and life jacket rentals.
Scholarships Available
There are a limited number of scholarships available for each Academy. Scholarships reduce the total cost of the academy to $100. Please contact Kierstan Peck to inquire about scholarship availability. A separate registration link will be provided, if approved.
Waitlist
If the class is full and you would like to be put on the wait list, please fill out the online waitlist form. If spaces become available, we will contact waitlisted participants on a first come-first served basis.
2025 Academy Tracks
Explore Automation, Manufacturing and Welding: Innovate and Create
Join us for an exciting hands-on experience where creativity meets real-world skills! Work alongside others to design and build your own grill or rocket stove. Then, put your creation to the test during a memorable 4-6 hour canoe trip on the scenic St. Croix River. You’ll cook a delicious shore lunch using your custom-built equipment while enjoying the great outdoors.
Dive into the world of construction by designing and building your own canoe paddle! Using real tools and materials, you’ll learn essential carpentry and craftsmanship skills while creating a paddle that’s uniquely yours. The highlight of the week? Testing your creation during a 4-6 hour canoe trip down the scenic St. Croix River on Thursday. Will your paddle hold up to the challenge? Find out as you paddle through the river and put your hard work to the test in the great outdoors.
Explore and express your creativity in a variety of artistic mediums, including drawing, painting, and sculpture! In this hands-on camp, you’ll develop your artistic skills through different techniques and approaches, all in a fun, small-group setting. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced artist, you’ll have the chance to experiment with new ideas and create unique pieces of art. As a special highlight, you’ll also have the opportunity to join a 4-6 hour canoe trip down the scenic St. Croix River, where you can capture the beauty of nature and inspiration for your art.
Explore Healthcare: Learn, Prepare and Experience!
Dive into the world of healthcare with hands-on learning and real-world experiences! Work alongside others to develop essential medical skills, create first aid kits, and gain valuable knowledge for emergency preparedness. As part of this academy, you’ll take a field trip to St. Clare’s in Mora for an inside look at healthcare in action. Then, put your skills to use on a 4-6 hour canoe trip down the scenic St. Croix River, where you’ll carry and utilize the first aid kits you assembled. Enjoy the adventure while learning the importance of preparedness in the great outdoors.
River on this unforgettable 4-6 hour canoe trip! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, this adventure offers the perfect mix of exploration, teamwork, and outdoor fun. Along the way, you’ll take a break to cook a shore lunch, using skills and equipment from your academy experience.
Get ready to navigate the water, soak in the natural surroundings, and put your hands-on skills to the test in a real outdoor setting!
A mandatory River Safety Training with PTCC staff and Wild River Outfitters will be held on Wednesday, June 25, at 4:00pm for students and parents. This session can be attended on-campus or virtually.