High School Programs
Our High School Programs are in partnership with After School Matters. At no cost to participants, we are proud to offer classes at the intersection of art + technology that build creative mindsets, teach technical skills, and prepare our high schoolers for 21st century careers.
Youth must be in grades 9–12 to be eligible for participation in CHICAT High School Programs.
Learn more about our current programs and apply below!
Fall 2026 High School Programs
4D Interactive Art: AR/VR
4D Interactive Art: AR/VR @ CHICAT
4D Interactive Art: AR & VR @ CHICAT introduces teens to the creative possibilities of making digital sculptures that can be interacted with. Using iPads and Nomad, participants will learn the fundamentals of 3D modeling and digital sculpting while creating their own objects, characters, and environments. Participants will then explore how these digital creations can be experienced in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), transforming their models into interactive experiences that can be viewed and explored in three-dimensional space.
Throughout the program, teens will experiment with creating and modifying digital forms, developing an understanding of shape, scale, proportion, and composition in 3D. They will learn how to bring their sculptures into AR and VR environments and consider how viewers interact with digital artwork from different perspectives. Projects will encourage students to think beyond creating a single image or object and instead consider how art can occupy space, respond to its surroundings, and create immersive experiences.
Future-Focused: 4D Interactive Art: AR & VR introduces teens to creative technologies used across fields such as digital art, animation, game development, immersive media, virtual production, architecture, and experiential design. Alongside technical skills, students will develop spatial thinking, creative problem-solving, experimentation, visual communication, and an understanding of how technology can change the way audiences experience art. Participants will also explore career pathways connected to emerging media through professional speakers, employability and financial literacy workshops, and field trips.
Skills
- 3D modeling + sculpting using Nomad
- 3D rendering
- 3D design
- Augmented reality (AR) using Reality Composer
- Virtual reality (VR) using Unity
- Asset preparation workflow
Game Design
Game Design @ CHICAT
Game Design @ CHICAT is a beginner-friendly program that teaches teens how video games are made–and how to make them yourself! Through building a series of mini-game projects, learn to create and use 2D artwork for video games, become familiar with object-oriented programming concepts, and design narrative-driven player experiences. Core computer skills like typing, keyboard shortcuts, and file management are covered first to build a sturdy foundation in computer knowledge. Teens will learn how to download and properly cite game assets in their projects as well as create their own using Adobe Photoshop. Finally, teens will use open-source game engine Godot to learn about video game components, structure, and system design.
Future-Focused: In addition to the technical and physical output of this program, Game Design @ CHICAT is designed to develop professional skills including creative problem-solving, systems-thinking, analysis, evaluation, organization, and attention to detail. Participants will learn about career paths in and adjacent to the video game industry. Supplementary activities include visiting professional speakers, employability and financial literacy workshops, and field trips.
Skills
- Computer fundamentals
- Game design + development using Godot
- 2D asset creation using Photoshop and Wacom tablets
- Object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts
- UI/UX design principles
Podcasting & Media Arts
Podcasting & Media Arts @ CHICAT
Podcasting & Media Arts @ CHICAT beginner-friendly podcasting program introduces high schoolers to the full process of creating a podcast, from initial concept to final publication. Teens will learn to brainstorm episode ideas, plan a show format, and script or outline content that keeps listeners engaged. Hands-on training covers microphone technique, recording equipment, and audio editing software to help students capture and polish clean, professional-sounding episodes. The program also builds interviewing, hosting, and active listening skills, along with basic knowledge of publishing platforms and audience-building. Throughout, teens will strengthen collaboration and communication abilities by working in teams, giving feedback, and producing episodes together.
Skills
- Concept development & project planning
- Script writing
- Interviewing
- Recording basics
- Video editing basics using DaVinci Resolve
- Audio editing
- Podcast distribution
Virtual Visions Animation
Virtual Visions Animation @ CHICAT
Virtual Visions Animation @ CHICAT introduces teens to the creative possibilities of 3D art and animation. Using Blender, participants will learn how to transform ideas into digital objects, characters, environments, and animated scenes. Teens will build foundational skills in 3D modeling animation, while also exploring materials, textures, lighting, rigging, and sculpting. Throughout the program, teens will experiment with different approaches to creating and presenting their work, learning how individual elements come together to create a finished 3D image or animation.
Projects will give participants opportunities to create their own 3D assets, develop characters and environments, construct scenes, and produce short animations. Along the way, teens will learn how to navigate Blender’s interface and 3D workspace, work with cameras and lights, apply materials, manipulate digital geometry, and use rigs and keyframes to create movement. The program emphasizes experimentation and iteration, encouraging teens to develop their own visual ideas while building practical skills with industry-relevant 3D tools.
Future-Focused: This program helps teens build both technical and creative skills that can be applied across animation, visual effects, game development, film, advertising, product design, 3D visualization, and digital fabrication. Teens will develop skills in visual communication, creative problem-solving, spatial reasoning, project organization, and critique. Participants will also explore careers and educational pathways connected to 3D art and digital production through professional speakers, employability and financial literacy workshops, and field trips.
Skills
- 3D modeling + animation using Blender
- Digital sculpting
- Materials + texturing
- Lighting + rendering
- Rigging
- 3D scene composition
- Computer fundamentals
Ceramics
Ceramics @ CHICAT
Ceramics @ CHICAT is a beginner-friendly program and encourages teens to explore and experiment with clay to express themselves creatively. Students will learn both throwing and hand building, with a focus on coil, slab, and pinch techniques. They will discover the rich history of clay and how artists have utilized it differently to create artistic works. From functional objects to sculptural pieces, students will create both small projects focusing on technical skills and large-scale projects focusing on form and design.
Throughout the class, students will be instructed on how to manage their own clay use, including learning to recycle and reuse scraps, plan and execute projects, manage the drying of their pieces, problem-solve ideas and concepts, and various surface design techniques to create something uniquely theirs. We will also experiment with how unfired clay is affected by outside elements and time, and collaborate to create a single artwork.
Skills
- Handbuilding techniques (pinch, coil, slab)
- Throwing techniques
- Reclaiming clay
- Surface design (Sgraffito, Mishima, Piping)
- Glazing
- Slips and underglazes
- Project ideation and planning
Fall 2026 programs are now open for enrollment!
Begin your high school application below:
Upon submission of the application above, you will be redirected to After School Matters to complete a second application (search for ‘CHICAT’ in your application!). Both applications must be received for consideration.
Fall 2026
High School Programs Schedule
September 28th–December 11th
Tuesday–Thursday
4:30-7:00PM
4D Interactive Art: AR & VR
Create 3D digital objects and transform them into immersive AR/VR experiences, to discover how space, scale, and interaction shape digital art.
Podcasting
Work with audio equipment, develop plans for finding an audience, and create marketing materials for your own podcasts.
Game Design
Learn about game art, design, and development through creating a series of mini game projects.
Virtual Visions Animation
Model, texture, and animate digital scenes to create polished 3D-rendered animations using Blender.
CHICAT is committed to the inclusion of all people. This includes accommodating students with disabilities. If you require accommodations in order to participate in our programs, please send a request to info@chicat.org.