Our Summer Academy program allows high school and high-achieving middle school students to gain exposure, education, and inspiration about architecture, construction, engineering, development, and the creative industries. During this immersive one-week program, students strengthen their problem-solving and sketching skills, creativity, and knowledge of civic challenges by developing design solutions to a real-life project. With instruction by college professionals, assistance by university mentors, and presentations by industry professionals, students explore their inner designer, architect, engineer, and/or builder. Visits to firms and project sites spark imagination about career paths and project solutions. Participation in creative STEM learning, discussion, and hands-on activities helps build self-confidence and time management skills that benefit students for college and life.