Professional & Continuing Studies (PCS), in collaboration with the CAR lab of the University of Delaware’s Department of Computer and Information Sciences, the Autonomous Driving Academy Pre-College Program is an intensive, five-day workshop designed to immerse participants in the rapidly evolving field of autonomous vehicle technology. This noncredit pre-college program is tailored for high school students eager to gain a deep understanding of the core principles and practical applications of autonomous driving systems.
Participants will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential topics such as vehicle control fundamentals, sensor technology, and the programming tools vital for autonomous systems, including ROS, Python, and C++. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing attendees to assemble autonomous robots and work collaboratively to implement and optimize autonomous driving systems that simulate real-world autonomous driving scenarios.
Beyond technical skills, the program also fosters critical thinking, teamwork, and presentation abilities. Students will have the opportunity to present their enhanced applications to peers and instructors, receiving valuable feedback and recognition for their innovations. This program serves as a stepping stone for those interested in pursuing careers in automotive technology, robotics, or related fields, offering both practical experience and professional insights into the industry’s latest advancements.
One of the program’s internal goals is to serve as an undergraduate pipeline for UD. The program is intentionally designed to end with a departmental presentation including students and their parents on Friday. The program aims to provide a realistic preview of what attending UD will look and feel like in a few years.
*This is a non-credit certificate.