Ready to take the next step?
While there are many summer programs in the region, ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï Searight Program’s ASAP is designed to offer students the skills necessary in navigating current economic demands. GWU faculty will mentor students in the development of analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in multiple disciplines with an emphasis in Christian business ethics.
The courses will include Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security, Project Management, Economics and Personal Finance, Medical Terminology, Global Food Supply. Students will learn broad concepts that impact society as well as business etiquette and life skills. Students will be introduced to high-demand careers in these disciplines.
This summer camp is opened to students in grades 10 to 12 with a maximum enrollment of 20. It will start on June 9th to June 25th, 2026. Students will attend three hours in-person/online sessions on Tuesday, and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. for three weeks, aggregating to 18 total hours of instruction. Lunch and snacks will be provided for students. The certificate is designed to be completed on June 25th with a brief graduation ceremony.
AI & Cybersecurity
Course description: This course introduces students to the rapidly growing fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity and explores how these technologies are transforming business, healthcare, education, entertainment, and everyday life. Participants will learn foundational concepts of AI, machine learning, generative AI, and cybersecurity while examining real-world applications and emerging ethical concerns. Through interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities, students will experiment with popular AI tools such as OpenAI ChatGPT, Anthropic Claude, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot, while also learning cybersecurity best practices for online safety, phishing awareness, password security, and digital privacy.
Learning Outcomes: – Explain foundational concepts of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity and describe their impact on society and everyday technology. – Demonstrate safe and responsible use of AI tools while identifying common cybersecurity threats and online safety practices. – Apply basic problem-solving and critical-thinking skills through hands-on AI and cybersecurity activities and discussions. – Explore career opportunities and emerging trends in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity.
Admissions Team
Dr. Oscar Gonzalez, Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Course Description This course will explore the concept of personal finance and how to prepare for life after living under your parents’ roof. We will develop a budget and consider what toÌýdo with any entrepreneurial idea you may have. We will simulate scenarios on what it takes to operate life in a fiscally responsible manner and use Excel to map out various financial scenarios. The ultimate goal for our time together is to learn some vocabularyÌýto improve comfort in likely future decisions with salaries, budgets, mortgages, loans, and credit cards.
Learning Objective: – Develop an understanding of what it takes to maintain financial stability – Gain insights in topics that will impact everyday life for a college-aged student and young professional
Description This course serves as an overview of project management concepts, equipping students with an introduction to project management knowledge and skills. Students will define project management fundamentals and learn about industry-standard methodologies to plan, execute, and close projects successfully.Ìý Throughout this introductory experience, students will explore practical competencies in project management. The course introduces foundational concepts as well as hands-on application, giving students insights in managing projects from initiation through closure.
Learning Outcomes -Identify and define key project management stages and industry-standard terminology -Identify elements of building efficient project teams – Engage in a project management simulation, including effective project closeout meetings
Description: Expand your vocabulary of appropriate terminology for the health professions. Learn proper use, spelling, and pronunciation of terms. The course lays a foundation in building medical vocabulary through root words, combining forms, prefixes and suffixesÌýand accepted abbreviations.
Learning Outcomes: – Identify and define commonly used word components used in different medical specialties. – Identify and correctly spell medical terms relating to human body systems.
Description: The global food system connects farmers, businesses, consumers, and policymakers across every corner of the world. This course provides an accessible introduction to the challenges and opportunities shaping how food is grown, produced, distributed, and consumed. Participants will examine issues of sustainability, population growth, and climate change while considering how global trends impact local agriculture and everyday food choices.
Learning Outcomes: – Explain the key components of the global food system and how they interact across production, distribution, consumption, and policy. – Analyze current challenges facing global food security, including climate change, population growth, and resource constraints. – Evaluate the implications of global food system dynamics for local agriculture, consumer choices, and agribusiness practices.
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Trash to Treasure Activity
Graduation Ceremony & Certificates
Dr. Anthony Negbenebor
Dr. Anthony Negbenebor, Pinnacle and GWU Administration, Admissions Team
*Weekly topics may be alternated based on the field study tour day.
Who: Students grade 10 to 12 | Max enrollment 20Where: Pinnacle Classical Academy 2401 Joes Lake Rd, Shelby, NC 28152When: June 9 – 25, 2026 Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9AM to 12PMCredits: 18 CE creditsCost: Registration fee of $25.
Dr. Oscar GonzalezDr. Oscar Gonzalez is assistant professor of computer science. Oscar received his Master of Science in Management information systems from Nova Southeastern University, and his Bachelor of Science from Florida Atlantic University. He brings 21 years of IT teaching experience, eight of which are in the cybersecurity field. He joins us from South Piedmont Community College in Monroe, N.C. as the Cyber Crime Program Lead. Gonzalez’s interests include everything related to cybersecurity and technology. He enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, puppy and going to church. His hobbies are traveling, snowboarding, and playing ping pong.
Dr. Greg PillarDr. Gregory D. Pillar serves as Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs at ÍøÆسԹÏ, where he provides strategic leadership to advance academic excellence, student success, and faculty development. With over 16 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Pillar is a dynamic academic administrator known for fostering innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to transformative educational experiences. As a professor of environmental science and chemistry, he taught a wide range of interdisciplinary courses, mentored numerous student research projects, and conducted research on the sustainability of soil and water resources. His passion for global education led him to design and lead international study experiences to destinations such as Italy, Vietnam, Costa Rica, and Micronesia (Yap), where he facilitated an environmental experiential learning program that connected students with local ecosystems and sustainability practices., enriching student learning beyond the classroom.
Dr. R. J. QuillinanDr. Robert (RJ) Quillinan (Dr. Q) currently teaches a variety of coursework at ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï including: finance, money and banking, personal finance, business law, healthcare law, entrepreneurship, investments, leadership and international finance. Prior to joining the faculty at GWU, Dr. Q spent (7) years serving in a variety of capacities at the Charleston School of Law, in Charleston, SC, including: general counsel, chief financial officer, compliance manager, director of alumni relations, and adjunct professor. Dr. Q’s career began in Venture Capital/Private Equity – focusing on corporate mergers and strategic buyouts. He also has experience in general construction management and legal representation while operating a boutique law firm focused on higher education compliance, corporate law, mergers & acquisitions, and contract negotiation.
Ms. Maria BarringerMs. Maria Barringer is a supply chain and procurement leader with more than 20 years of experience in strategic sourcing, inventory management, operations, and supply chain management. She earned her Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Business Administration from ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï and holds an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Science from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.Maria is a Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) professional and has earned the APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional Certificate of Achievement. She is also certified in Continuous Improvement methodologies, including Green Belt and White Belt training.Throughout her career, Maria has served in leadership roles with organizations including Speedball Art Products, Lee Industries, Lydall Thermal/Acoustical, 3A Composites USA, and Thorlo, Inc., where she has led strategic procurement, supply chain optimization, and operational excellence initiatives.In addition to her industry experience, Maria has served as a Lecturer in Global Supply Chain and Purchasing at Appalachian State University. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree at ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï with a concentration in Finance and is expected to complete her doctoral studies in December 2027.
Mr. Jay ZimmerMr. Jay Zimmer is Assistant Professor of Biology and for the last 15 years has taught human anatomy and physiology and pathophysiology at ÍøÆسԹÏ. For fun, he likes to hike, fish, hunt, and kayak in and around the Carolinas. He also picked up oil painting and beekeeping to stave off cabin fever during COVID.
