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NOTE: PacificQuest 2012 application deadline has been extended to May 28, 2012

PacificQuest is an exciting opportunity for gifted students to explore college-level courses and receive one hour of college credit for their work. It is a one-week residential summer experience where thirty students from grades 7, 8, or 9, will live on-campus while enrolled in the program.

Core Classes

All PacificQuest students will take the following course:

Mathematics: Intriguing and Useful
Would you like to learn modern techniques for making secret codes? Or maybe you might find it fun to solve certain challenging puzzles using a new kind of arithmetic. Our main topic, called modular arithmetic (where 2+2 isn't necessarily 4!), will help us with these questions and some others, including applications in art and music. In Mathematics: Intriguing and Useful, you will expand your horizons as you learn about areas of math not normally found in your school courses. We will sometimes use computers and calculators for computation and insight. Please bring your calculator.

Elective Classes

Choose one of the following classes:

Game Programming
Have you ever wanted to create your own computer game? Come learn the basic programming skills to design and implement a simple game in a small group, and walk away with the ability to take it much further! Our toolbox will include XBox 360, The Sims, Kinect, and even smartphones.

You don't have to be a hard-core gamer to enjoy this class—good problem-solving skills and attention to detail will help more than experience with games or computers. No prior programming or graphic design experience is required. Basic arithmetic and graphing skills are all you'll need (though algebra and trigonometry help).

Sprinting into the Lead: Communication Skills for Young Leaders
How does a person become a successful leader? What's considered the most important skill needed in today's professional workplace? The answer to both questions is good communication skills.

Find yourself sprinting into the lead. The best leaders are always the best communicators!

PacificQuest 2012 is scheduled for July 22-27. For further information, please contact Aimee Wyrick, PQ Academic Director at pacificquest@puc.edu.

Program Materials