The PTCC Youth Summer Academy is a four-day enrichment experience designed for high school students entering grades 9-12. Through engaging, hands-on activities and project-based learning, students dive into real-world career pathways in areas like healthcare, manufacturing, engineering, construction, and the arts.
Hosted on the Pine Technical & Community College campus, the Academy offers students a chance to connect with industry-experienced instructors, build skills that inspire confidence for the future, and meet new friends. Whether you’re discovering a new passion or deepening an existing interest, Summer Academy is where curiosity meets opportunity.
The academy registration fee includes daily breakfast and lunch, a SummerAcademy t-shirt, and the opportunity for students to take home their custom-built projects. A limited number of scholarships are available. Contact Kierstan Peck for details.
Saint Croix River Canoe Adventure Registration Fee: $30
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.
2027 Academy Tracks – coming soon!
We’re busy planning hands-on experiences for Summer Academy 2027! Take a look at last year’s Academy options below to get an idea of what may be offered. From building and creating to exploring healthcare careers, each Academy gives students the opportunity to learn by doing, try something new, and discover future career possibilities.
Explore Automation, Manufacturing and Welding: Innovate and Create (2026 Academy)
Join us for a hands-on experience where creativity meets real-world skills. In this session, students will design and build their own camp stove while exploring the fundamentals of welding, automation, and fabrication.
After completing your build, you’ll put your stove to the test during a 4–6 hour canoe trip on the scenic St. Croix River. Along the way, you’ll prepare a shore lunch using your custom-built equipment—combining technical skills, teamwork, and the outdoors into one unforgettable experience.
Explore Construction: Craft Your Canoe Paddle (2026 Academy)
Dive into the world of construction by designing and building your very 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 Healthcare: Learn, Prepare and Experience!
Step into the world of healthcare through hands-on activities that bring real-world skills to life. In this session, students will explore a variety of healthcare careers while learning and practicing skills used by healthcare professionals every day.
Through interactive activities and realistic scenarios, you’ll get a firsthand look at what it takes to care for others, work as part of a healthcare team, and make a difference in people’s lives. Whether you’re already considering a future in healthcare or just curious about the possibilities, this Academy is a great way to explore where a career in caring could take you.
St. Croix River Canoe Adventure
Paddle your way through the scenic beauty of the St. Croix 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 23, at 4:00 PM for students and parents. This session can be attended on-campus or virtually.
Be the first to know when registration opens for the 2027 PTCC Summer Academy!
Join our VIP list to receive early updates, important announcements, and registration information before it is released to the public.
Whether your student is interested in exploring healthcare, trades, technology, or hands-on career experiences, Summer Academy is a great opportunity to discover future possibilities at Pine Technical & Community College.
Summer Academy tracks have limited space and may fill quickly. If a track reaches capacity, a waitlist will be made available for families interested in that Academy.
Families who join the waitlist will be contacted if a space becomes available. Joining a waitlist does not guarantee a spot in Summer Academy.
