Who is eligible to participate?
These programs are designed for high school students entering grades 10–12. Students should be motivated, able to work independently, and ready for a focused academic experience.
Are these programs for beginners or advanced students?
- AI Design Studio: No prior coding experience required. Ideal for students curious about AI and emerging technologies.
- Advanced Software Engineering with AI: Prior coding experience required (such as Python, Java, or similar). Students should be comfortable writing code independently.
- Mobile Storytelling Studio: No prior media production experience required, though an interest in storytelling, video, or digital media is recommended.
- Online Filmmaker Studio: Open to students interested in digital storytelling and film production. No formal prerequisites.
Are these programs for college credit?
No. These are non-credit enrichment programs designed to provide advanced academic exposure, skill development, and portfolio-building opportunities.
What will students leave with?
Depending on the program, students will complete:
- AI-powered project or software application
- GitHub-hosted coding portfolio (Coding track)
- Industry-recognized credential (AI & Coding tracks)
- Mobile-produced media project
- Completed short film
- Written reflections documenting their process and learning
All programs are designed to produce portfolio-ready work that students can use for college applications, internships, or future academic pathways.
What is the time commitment?
Hybrid programs meet twice per week for 3–3.5 hours per session. Students should expect additional independent work outside of scheduled meeting times (approximately 4–6 hours per week).
Online programs are asynchronous and require approximately 8–10 hours of work per week, including project development and faculty feedback.
What technology is required?
- Students should have access to a reliable laptop and internet connection.
- AI and Coding programs use primarily browser-based tools to minimize software installation requirements.
- Mobile Storytelling students should have access to a smartphone capable of recording video.
- Specific technical details will be provided prior to the start of the program.
Where are hybrid programs held?
Hybrid programs take place on the Texas State University campus in San Marcos, including access to designated classrooms and, for media programs, the Live Oak TV Studio.
What is the minimum enrollment requirement?
Hybrid programs are subject to minimum enrollment. In the event a section does not meet enrollment requirements, families will be notified and issued a full refund. If available, learners will also be offered an option to move to an online-only cohort.
What is the refund policy?
Participants may request a full refund within 30 days of purchase, provided the request is submitted in writing and the program has not yet begun.
No refunds will be issued after the program start date.
If Texas State University cancels a program due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, participants will receive a full refund.
All refund requests must be submitted in writing to continuinged@txstate.edu
How large are the cohorts?
Cohorts are intentionally kept small, typically enrolling 15–20 students per section, to ensure personalized instruction, meaningful feedback, and a strong learning experience.