Technology Institute
Discover the world of technology from the inside out.
In today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world, technology has invaded In today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world, technology has invaded almost every aspect of our lives. In this institute, students will learn how big data is leveraged to shape buying habits and consider the security ramifications and implications that a world shaped by the Internet of Things presents. Students will immerse themselves in the world of technology and gain an understanding of how technology has connected our lives in ways never before possible. We will explore the opportunities available in the job market at places that might not be realized. There will also be basic hands-on experiences with hardware and software giving students a taste of what it’s like to work as a programmer. This Institute explores technology from the inside out.
At a Glance
2025 Dates: Week of June 22 – 27 or week of July 6 – 11
Program Length: Sunday – Friday, overnight
Who Can Apply?: Current 9th – 12th grade students
Tuition: $3,400
*Tuition is subject to change per year
Location: Winston-Salem, NC – Wake Forest University Reynolda Campus
*Courses carry no secondary school or college credit. Upon completion of the program, an official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion will be awarded to all Technology Institute participants.
What You’ll Experience
Topics Covered:
- Basic Programming
- The Internet of Things
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Cybersecurity
Hands-On Experiences:
- Basic Arduino microcontroller workshops
- Hear from industry experts about what it’s like to work in technology
- Explore technologies at a NASCAR racing facility
- Basic Raspberry Pi workshops
*Hands-on experiences are subject to change.
A Day in the Life
Typical Daily Schedule
- 8:00 am – Morning Meeting and Breakfast
- 9:00 am – Welcome and Program Introduction
- 9:30 am – Workshop: Arduino Microcontroller
- 11:00 am – Guest Speaker: Gaming Engineer/Programmer
- 11:30 am – Lunch
- 12:30 pm – Panel Discussion: Tech Careers
- 1:30 pm – Activity: Data Mining and Ethics Discussion
- 2:30 pm – Field Trip: NASCAR Racing Facility
- 4:30 pm – Debrief for Next Day
- 5:30 pm – Dinner
- 6:30 pm – Evening Activities
- 7:30 pm – Free Time
- 9:00 pm – Prepare for Bed
- 10:30 pm – Lights Out
*The “A Day in the Life” sample schedule is subject to change.
Meet the Academic Leader
Paul Whitener
Academic Leader, Technology Institute
Paul Whitener is the Assistant Director of Digital Fabrication and Maker Education at Wake Forest University. As an Information Systems staff member assigned to the Wake Forest MakerSpace, the WakerSpace, Paul is involved in technology and making, which is used to teach students in and out of the classroom. With a bachelor’s Degree in Communications with a Television Production Concentration and an Associate’s Degree in Electronic Engineering, Paul brings over 30 years of experience, all based in technology, to the program. In his current role, Paul works with students on a daily basis helping them to utilize various “maker” technologies into their classwork. He has also co-facilitated the Computer Science STEM Robotics course as well as led many “pop-up” labs geared towards extracurricular learning for the WFU community. These labs include Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Makey Makey, laser cutting, and 3D printing technologies. In the spirit of Pro Humanitate, Paul is also involved in many technology outreaches to middle and high school students.
