Request Info 866-858-5323

Powered by George Mason University

Turn your passion for gaming into a game plan for success. At the Game & Technology Academy, powered by George Mason University, you will spend seven incredible days* on the campus among like-minded, game-loving high school students. During this amazing program, you will learn directly from serious game gurus, use the latest technology, and create the games you want to play.

 

*Reflects one-week residential session. Multiple-week sessions are also offered. 

amd university

About the Game & Technology Academy

High School Student from the Game and Technology Summer Program

At the Game & Technology Academy, you will be immersed in the world of computer game design and have access to the latest software, tools, and equipment, as well as the vast knowledge and experience of the leading game and design gurus at George Mason University. You’ll apply your new skills in hands-on workshops on a range of gaming technology topics, such as:

  • Life as a Game Artist
  • Training Machine Learning Models
  • Unreal or Unity?

See your dream become reality! Throughout the program, you’ll collaborate with other like-minded future gamers and designers, as you create and ultimately showcase what could be the next Triple A title to your peers.

Opt for the residential program and get an inside look at gaming and design industries with a visit to the Virginia Serious Game Institute, where you’ll meet the founders of cutting-edge start-up companies, learn about the latest serious game technology discoveries and research and explore the different career paths available in the field of game design. 

Level up! Beyond the game and graphic design experience, you’ll learn skills that will help you succeed in college, your career, and in life, like time management, information analysis, communications, team building, and problem solving.

By attending Game & Technology Academy, you can also receive one college credit per week through George Mason University for an additional fee.

Choose Your Specialty

Art, Modeling & Animation for 3D Games
Master the fundamentals of Concept Art; 3D design, modeling, and animation; digital painting and building game-ready and optimized 3D and textured objects.

  Learn More

Machine Learning/AI with Python 
Learn the Python programming language from scratch and participate in projects using data analysis and machine learning. Train, trim, and correct datasets using a series of machine learning/AI algorithms. 

Learn More

Game Programming & Design
Learn the ground rules of game design, play scenarios, and programming. Get an insider’s look at the game industry and explore publishing and marketing games using the Unity or Unreal platforms. 
George Mason University Logo

College Credit is included with tuition. Students attending select high school programs are eligible to receive college credit(s) through George Mason University. Credits are included in the cost of tuition and are awarded for successful completion of the program and credit requirements. Learn more.

2025 Dates & Tuitions

ENROLL NOMINATE
Courses Dates Tuition
3D Modeling with Blender July 6-12 $2,745 Mason College Credit
Residential Only
Game Programming with Unity and C# July 6-12 $2,745 Mason College Credit
Residential Only
3D Game Design with Unreal July 13-19 $2,745 Mason College Credit
Residential Only
Art, Modeling, & Animation for 3D Games July 13-19 $2,745 Mason College Credit
Residential Only
2D Digital Art for Games July 20-26 $2,745 Mason College Credit
Residential Only
Intro to Python for Machine-Learning/AI July 20-26 $2,745 Mason College Credit
Residential Only

*Note: Students who attend two consecutive sessions receive $200 off the combined tuition, and students who attend all three sessions receive $400 off the combined tuition.

Please note: We are currently evaluating all aspects of the Game & Technology Academy and may make changes to the curriculum, site visits, or program location to ensure the program meets the most up-to-date health and safety standards.

Program Highlights

Mason Game & Technology Academy Facility
The Future of Gaming
The career opportunities in the game and technology fields are booming. You’ll use the latest in technology, get into the world of machine learning and AI, explore the Unreal or Unity game engines, see what’s cool about 3D game art, and much more!
LEARN MORE
Mason Game & Technology Academy Professors
Game Design Experts
Students will tap into the vast knowledge and experience of the leading experts from Mason’s Computer Game Design Program like Dr. Scott Martin. Dr. Martin is the Founding Director of George Mason’s Computer Game Design program and the Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI). LEARN MORE
Mason Game & Technology Academy Video Game Design
Flexible Scheduling
The Game & Technology Academy offers six different one-week residential sessions. Take one session, or take them all! All sessions take place in George Mason University's cutting edge, state-of-the-art labs.
LEARN MORE
Mason Game & Technology Academy Games
Game Changers
In addition to making friendships that will last a lifetime, you’ll work together to create your own game or animation and demo it for Mason gurus and your new peers at the program’s Indie Showcase! Students attending the Residential program also have the opportunity to visit the Virginia Serious Game Institute and meet with working game design professionals and start up companies. LEARN MORE

Game Design Experts

Tuition

Tuition

Tuition for the Game & Technology Academy covers most of the expenses incurred during the program. Tuition DOES NOT cover transportation to and from the program. LEARN MORE

Scholarships

ScholarshipsEnvision awards partial tuition assistance to qualified students each year based upon financial need, scholastic merit, leadership achievements, and other factors. LEARN MORE


Fundraising

Fundraising Let us show you how other students use fundraising to cover some or all of their tuition costs. Make fundraising part of your  personal success story. LEARN MORE


Payment Plan

Payment Plan You may pay in full today or choose to use one of our payment options.
PAYMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE


Game & Technology Academy FAQ

  • Is the Game & Technology Academy for me?

    This summer program is for you if you are a high school student interested in exploring the latest game design tools and learning about the various career options available in the field of game design and technology. Game & Technology Academy is your springboard to achieving tremendous success in college and in a future career in games.

    To attend Game & Technology Academy, you must be in grades 9–12 during the 2024-2025 school year.

  • What is included in tuition?

    Your tuition for Game & Technology Academy includes housing, on-campus meals, supervisory personnel, program materials, use of equipment, all program activities, site visits, a Certificate of Completion, and local transportation during the program.

    Your transportation to and from the program location is NOT included in tuition. While attending the program, you'll need money for off-campus meals, souvenirs, snacks, and other incidentals.

  • How will I be supervised?

    Your safety and well-being during the program is our highest priority. The program is structured so that you will reside and work in a safe, controlled environment. You'll be closely supervised by professionally trained staff, including advisors who serve as educational facilitators and chaperones, security personnel, operations personnel, and a program coordinator.

    For over 35 years, Envision has achieved a stellar record of safely and successfully enriching the lives of students, providing them with superb educational experiences and professional supervision. Other Envision safety measures include:

    • Greeting students at the designated airport upon their arrival, providing shuttle service directly to the program site, and providing shuttle service back to the airport on Departure Day*
    • Maintaining a student-to-staff ratio of 17 to 1
    • Requiring all students to attend all activities
    • For residential programs, checking rooms nightly to ensure that students remain in their rooms and having night monitors in place to support students who may become ill or who have an emergency during the night
    • Equipping all Envision team members with two-way communication devices

     

    *There is an additional fee for shuttle service.

  • Where will I stay?

    For the summer 2025 Game & Technology Academy, students will be housed on the campus of George Mason University.

  • How many students share a room?

    Each room will house two to three students. You will have your own bed.

  • Can my parents attend the program?

    No. Your parents or guardians are not allowed to accompany you during the program. Gaining independence, including experiencing new things on your own, is an essential part of your growth during the program. However, it is perfectly fine for your family to travel with you to the program location and stay in the area while you are attending the program.

  • I am a student requiring specific accommodations. Can I still attend?

    Yes, we encourage you to enroll. Envision by WorldStrides believes in working with families to accommodate student needs and encourages the participation of students who feel prepared to meet the academic, social, physical, and emotional demands of the program environment. We may be able to provide appropriate auxiliary staff and services to assist students as needed if notified in advance. We encourage families, guardians, legal representatives, or educators to contact the Office of Admissions for more information and to discuss particular accommodations before applying for enrollment in the program.

  • Do I need to make my own travel arrangements?

    Yes. Your tuition does not include transportation to and from your home and the program location. We recommend that you make necessary travel arrangements only AFTER you receive confirmation that you are officially enrolled.

  • Can special dietary needs be met?

    Vegetarian options are always available. Kosher and Halal meals can be made available to you, provided the request is submitted prior to the start of the conference. When you complete the Student Information Form, you will have the opportunity to make special dietary requests.

  • Can I use the campus facilities (gym, pool, etc.)?

    Students are not permitted to use university facilities such as the pool or recreation center.