Technology Institute
    In-person Program

    Technology Institute

    by Wake Forest University

    A hands-on residential immersion in programming, connected technology and tech careers, combining workshops, industry perspectives and a field trip.

    Last verified: 6 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Technology Institute at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    Current Grades 9-12

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States

    Cost

    $3,500

    Duration

    Sunday-Friday

    Format

    In-person

    Application deadline

    Rolling · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Save program
    Computer ScienceCybersecurityEngineeringTechnology
    Accommodation: Required campus residence hall
    Meals: All meals provided
    Certificate / Outcome: Wake Forest completion certificate
    Tutors / faculty: Academic leader and industry experts

    Technology Institute summary

    A residential technology immersion focused on big data, programming, the Internet of Things, information technology, cybersecurity and engineering careers.

    Students try introductory Arduino and Raspberry Pi activities, hear from technology professionals and explore how technology is used in industry.

    It best suits students who want broad, practical exposure to technology careers before committing to a narrower computing or engineering pathway.

    What is Technology Institute?

    The Technology Institute is part of Wake Forest University's Summer Immersion Program. It introduces students to big data, the Internet of Things, information technology, cybersecurity, programming and engineering-related careers.

    The residential experience combines workshops with industry speakers, career discussions and a technology-focused visit to a NASCAR racing facility. Students also experience campus dining, residence-hall life and organized evening activities.

    Why Succeed highlights Technology Institute

    • Arduino and Raspberry Pi workshops give students approachable, hands-on exposure to both hardware and programming.

    • The curriculum connects technical topics with applications in big data, connected devices, engineering and cybersecurity.

    • Industry speakers and career discussions help students see how technology roles operate beyond familiar software companies.

    • The NASCAR facility visit provides a distinctive example of technology working within another industry.

    • The residential campus format combines subject exploration with an introduction to university life.

    Who is Technology Institute for?

    Best for

    Students who want a broad introduction to technology through practical workshops, career conversations and campus life.

    Not ideal if

    You want an advanced coding course, academic credit or a specialist curriculum centered on one programming language.

    Is Technology Institute worth it?

    The program can be worthwhile for students who are still testing whether computing, cybersecurity or engineering interests them. Its strongest value is the mix of introductory technical practice, career context and residential university experience.

    The main limitation is depth: one week and a broad topic list cannot replace a sustained coding course or independent project. Families should also weigh the tuition and application fee against lower-cost ways to explore programming before deciding how much the campus experience matters.

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    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $3,500; includes All meals during the on-campus stay, Transportation to and from off-site field trips, Official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion.

    Accommodation

    Required campus residence hall

    Meals

    All meals provided

    Supervision or safety information

    Program staff supervise students during academic, recreational and evening activities. Professional staff live in the residence hall, and staff operate an on-call rotation throughout the week.

    Provider details

    Review the Wake Forest University provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    Sunday-Friday; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Technology Institute need?

    Effort level

    Moderate, with full daytime programming and evening activities.

    Best started

    Begin the application three to four weeks before the cycle opens or your intended submission date.

    Main challenge

    Writing two thoughtful essays and coordinating an academic recommendation.

    Typical preparation

    • Choose a recommender who can discuss your academic ability and readiness for a college environment.

    • Draft the two application essays early enough to revise them carefully.

    • Review residential expectations, travel arrangements and the program packing information with a parent or guardian.

    Useful if

    You can explain why technology and its career pathways interest you.

    What do students do on Technology Institute?

    Students move between introductory technical workshops, career-focused discussions, an industry visit and residential campus activities. The experience is exploratory rather than an advanced software-development course.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Explore big data, the Internet of Things, information technology, engineering careers and cybersecurity.

    2. 2

      Try basic Arduino microcontroller and Raspberry Pi workshops.

    3. 3

      Hear technology professionals discuss programming and industry careers.

    4. 4

      Discuss data mining, ethics and different technology career pathways.

    5. 5

      Visit a NASCAR racing facility to examine technology in practice.

    6. 6

      Join supervised meals, free time and evening campus activities.

    Technology Institute dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Applications

    Rolling admissions

    Reference date

    Programme dates

    21-26 June 2026

    Latest verified Technology Institute session.

    Reference date

    Applications open

    1 November 2026

    For the summer 2027 application cycle.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Current student in Grades 9-12

    • Good academic standing

    • No school suspensions or serious disciplinary record

    • Fluent enough in English to participate fully

    • Home-schooled students may apply

    • International students may apply

    How much does Technology Institute cost?

    Program tuition

    $3,500 — Published Technology Institute tuition

    Funding or discounts

    • Application fee: $60 — Non-refundable and due with submission
    • Enrollment deposit: $550 — Non-refundable after securing a seat
    • Need-based scholarships: Limited funding — Requested through the general application

    What's included

    All meals during the on-campus stay, Transportation to and from off-site field trips, Official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion

    How to apply to Technology Institute

    1. 1

      Create an account in the Wake Forest Pre-College application portal.

    2. 2

      Complete the online application with two essays and a self-reported GPA.

    3. 3

      Provide contact details for a teacher, counselor or administrator who will submit a recommendation.

    4. 4

      Pay the $60 non-refundable application fee when submitting.

    5. 5

      Review the admissions decision through the student status page.

    6. 6

      After acceptance, select the institute and week and submit the $550 deposit.

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    What does Technology Institute cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Programming foundations

    Try basic programming through introductory Arduino and Raspberry Pi activities.

    Connected technology

    Explore the Internet of Things and how technology connects everyday systems.

    Data and ethics

    Consider data mining, big-data applications and related ethical questions.

    Cybersecurity and IT

    Build awareness of information technology and cybersecurity as connected fields.

    Technology careers

    Hear from industry professionals and examine technology roles across sectors.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Technology Institute?

    A typical day during the program.

    Morning start

    Breakfast, a morning meeting, the program introduction and an Arduino workshop begin the day.

    Late morning

    A guest programmer speaks before lunch and a technology careers panel.

    Afternoons

    Students discuss data mining and ethics, visit a NASCAR facility and debrief.

    Evenings

    Dinner is followed by organized activities, free time and the residential bedtime routine.

    Who teaches on Technology Institute?

    The named academic leader is Paul Whitener, Wake Forest University's Associate Director of Digital Fabrication and Maker Education. He brings more than 30 years of technology experience and has led learning activities involving Arduino, Raspberry Pi, robotics, laser cutting and 3D printing.

    Students also hear from programmers and other technology industry professionals.

    Where do students stay on Technology Institute?

    Residential plan

    • Residence halls: Students stay in assigned university housing from Sunday check-in through Friday check-out.
    • Campus dining: All meals are provided through campus dining or catered arrangements for off-campus activities.
    • Residential supervision: Professional staff live in the residence hall and join a 24-hour on-call rotation.
    • Evening activities: Staff lead activities such as basketball, karaoke, Spikeball, volleyball and optional panels.

    All participants must stay on campus for the full institute week.

    What happens after Technology Institute?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Receive an official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion.

    Use introductory hardware and programming exposure to choose a deeper technical pathway.

    Connect technology interests with computing, cybersecurity or engineering study.

    Build clearer questions for future conversations with technology professionals.

    Reflect on whether a technology-related degree or career feels appealing.

    Participation does not award academic credit or preferential Wake Forest admission.

    Where does Technology Institute take place?

    The institute takes place on Wake Forest University's Reynolda Campus in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Students live in campus residence halls, use university dining facilities and travel by program transportation for off-site field trips.

    Optional airport shuttles are separately priced and must be reserved.

    Technology Institute FAQs

    It is designed for current students in Grades 9-12 who want to explore technology and related career pathways. Applicants should be in good academic standing and have no school suspensions.

    No prior coding requirement is stated. The program describes its programming, Arduino and Raspberry Pi activities as basic introductory experiences.

    Published topics include basic programming, the Internet of Things, information technology, engineering careers and cybersecurity. The overview also discusses big data and technology careers.

    No. All participants must live in their assigned Wake Forest residence hall and remain on campus for the program week.

    Yes. All meals are provided during the campus stay, with campus dining and catered arrangements used as appropriate.

    No secondary-school or college credit is awarded. Students who complete the institute receive an official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion.

    Students submit an online application, two essays, a self-reported GPA, one academic recommendation and the application fee. A transcript and test scores are not required.

    Program staff supervise students during academic, recreational and evening activities. Professional staff live in the residence hall, and staff operate an on-call rotation throughout the week.

    Alternatives to Technology Institute

    These programs offer other ways to explore technology, computing, design or engineering through structured summer study.

    Alternatives to Technology Institute

    Engineering, mathematics and design study in Cambridge

    Engineering
    Deadline: Not announced
    From £5495
    13-15
    Cambridge
    In-person

    Best for

    Ages 13-15 seeking multidisciplinary engineering

    View details

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Code of Conduct
    • Wake Forest Pre-College Programs Applications
    • Wake Forest Pre-College Campus
    • Summer Immersion Program Dates | Wake Forest Pre-College
    • FAQ | Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program
    • Apply - Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program
    • Technology Institute Wake Forest Pre-College Program

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 6 Oct 2026)

    • Institute details checked

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Tuition verified

    • Application process checked

    • Residential arrangements reviewed

    • Safeguarding information checked

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.