Your future in tech and engineering starts here.
Jump into innovation this summer at GCU’s Tech and Innovator Days. Our hands-on experiences are designed for high school students like you who want to build, code, create and explore real technology and engineering in action.
Hosted by the College of Engineering and Technology at Grand Canyon University throughout June and July, each session is a one- or two-day deep dive into a different field. You can choose to attend just one or mix and match as your interests allow.
Daily Agenda:
8 – 9 am | Check In
9 am – 3 pm | Programming
3 - 5 pm | OPTIONAL: Free Play in GCU's Esports Arena
Hosted by the College of Engineering and Technology at Grand Canyon University throughout June and July, each session is a one- or two-day deep dive into a different field. You can choose to attend just one or mix and match as your interests allow.
Daily Agenda:
8 – 9 am | Check In
9 am – 3 pm | Programming
3 - 5 pm | OPTIONAL: Free Play in GCU's Esports Arena
Upcoming Sessions
June16
9 am - 3 pm
GAME DEVELOPMENT
One Day. One Game. Your Vision.
A one-day exploration session for students interested in video game development and coding. Build a playable video game in just one day — no advanced experience needed. Design your own characters and watch your ideas come to life. Bring your creativity!
June 16-17
9 am - 3 pm
Engineering
Design and Prototyping Challenge
This two-day session includes a hands-on design challenge where students will build, design and innovate like an engineer. Your session will ignite your creativity and give you a taste of what it’s like to solve problems through innovation. Come build, experiment and discover the power of engineering in action!
June 17
9 am - 3 pm
Cybersecurity
Ethical Hacking
Step into the world of cybersecurity for a day at GCU’s Cyber Center of Excellence. In this action-packed, hands-on experience, you won’t just learn about cybersecurity —you’ll live it. Take on the role of both a hacker (red team) and a defender (blue team) as you crack challenges, protect systems and try to outsmart cyber threats. Along the way, you’ll discover the ethics behind hacking, see how security professionals think and get a feel for what a future in cybersecurity could look like.
June 18
9 am - 3 pm
Artificial Intelligence
Dream it. Build it. AI it.
A one-day exploration session for students interested in artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship. Turn your passion into a real business concept with help from powerful AI tools — from naming and logo design to a simple business plan. Then pitch your idea in a Shark Tank–style session and experience what it’s like to be a future founder.
July 8
9 am - 3 pm
Research Ready
Summer Exploration
This one-day session gives students an early look at engineering and computing research. You’ll be guided through mini experiments, data collection, ethical decision-making and rapid prototyping. You'll also get the chance to practice forming research questions, testing your ideas and presenting informal findings, helping you discover whether a research pathway is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is this event designed for?
Tech and Innovator Days are built for high school students who are interested in engineering or technology and want to explore those paths. You don’t need to have it all figured out, just bring your curiosity and see where it could take you.
Tech and Innovator Days are built for high school students who are interested in engineering or technology and want to explore those paths. You don’t need to have it all figured out, just bring your curiosity and see where it could take you.
Do I need prior experience to attend?
No experience needed. This event is designed for students at all skill levels. You’ll get hands-on experience, learn foundational skills and walk away with a better sense of whether engineering or tech could be a good fit for you.
What should I bring with me?
Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to learn. GCU provides all the equipment you’ll need, plus lunch and snacks. If you want to take notes or jot down questions, feel free to bring your phone, computer or a notebook.
Can I attend more than one session in the series?
Yes. You are welcome to attend one or multiple sessions throughout the series. Please note that registration is required for each session you plan to attend.
Who will be presenting or leading the sessions?
Sessions will be led by GCU faculty, staff and students from our College of Engineering & Technology.
Is there a cost to attend?
Tech and Innovator days are provided at no cost to the student.
Is transportation provided to or from the event?
No, transportation is not provided by GCU. Attendees are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the event.
No, transportation is not provided by GCU. Attendees are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the event.
What if I can’t be picked up at 3:00 pm?
No problem! The esports arena will be open from 3 - 5 pm for optional play. Students may remain on campus during that time while waiting for pickup.
No problem! The esports arena will be open from 3 - 5 pm for optional play. Students may remain on campus during that time while waiting for pickup.
When does registration close?
Registration closes three weeks prior to the event date. Registration may close early if event capacity is reached.
Registration closes three weeks prior to the event date. Registration may close early if event capacity is reached.
What if my question isn't listed here?
Please reach out to our team at [email protected] for more information.
Please reach out to our team at [email protected] for more information.
About GCU's
College of Engineering and Technology
College of Engineering and Technology
At Grand Canyon University’s College of Engineering and Technology, we are not just working to develop engineers and
technologists — we are helping to guide you to impact your community by honoring your sacred vocation. Our
commitment is to nurture your calling to not only excel in applied sciences but also to forge individuals of integrity who
desire to change the world for good through innovation and service. Our collaborative community thrives on tackling
challenges with a blend of curiosity and creativity through an ethical lens, always mindful of others. Our degree programs,
from cybersecurity to software development and mechanical engineering, are built around hands-on problem-solving,
fostering a deep sense of teamwork. It’s this human-centered approach that we believe equips our graduates not only
with technical ability but also with a celebrated propensity to collaborate and help transform communities for generations
to come. The pursuit to serve others through engineering and technology is yours. Let it flourish.
technologists — we are helping to guide you to impact your community by honoring your sacred vocation. Our
commitment is to nurture your calling to not only excel in applied sciences but also to forge individuals of integrity who
desire to change the world for good through innovation and service. Our collaborative community thrives on tackling
challenges with a blend of curiosity and creativity through an ethical lens, always mindful of others. Our degree programs,
from cybersecurity to software development and mechanical engineering, are built around hands-on problem-solving,
fostering a deep sense of teamwork. It’s this human-centered approach that we believe equips our graduates not only
with technical ability but also with a celebrated propensity to collaborate and help transform communities for generations
to come. The pursuit to serve others through engineering and technology is yours. Let it flourish.