McC Summer Classes 2019 brought together students and instructors for an intensive season of creative development and academic growth. This period highlighted project-based learning, collaborative workshops, and practical skill-building across multiple disciplines.
The season emphasized portfolio preparation, industry partnerships, and community engagement, setting a strong foundation for participants pursuing further education or career transitions in design, media, and technology fields.
| Session | Duration | Primary Focus | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bootcamp Intensive | 2 weeks | Rapid skill immersion | Career changers |
| Design Studio Lab | 4 weeks | Portfolio development | Undergraduates |
| Media Production Track | 5 weeks | Video and interaction | Recent graduates |
| Community Practice | 3 weeks | Local impact projects | Mid-career learners |
Creative Coding Workshops
Beginner Programming Paths
Learners started with foundational logic and HTML/CSS, then moved into hands-on mini-projects that emphasized clean design and accessible user interfaces.
Advanced Prototyping Labs
More experienced participants built interactive prototypes using JavaScript frameworks, collaborating with peers to iterate based on real user testing.
Portfolio Development and Critique
One on One Mentoring
Instructors reviewed each learner’s work, aligning project narratives with industry expectations and helping refine case study documentation.
Public Showcase Events
Final exhibitions invited employers and community partners to evaluate capstone projects, strengthening connections between emerging talent and local opportunities.
Industry Partnerships and Real World Projects
Client Based Challenges
Teams tackled briefs from local businesses and nonprofits, delivering digital artifacts and service concepts under professional timelines.
Professional Networking
Regular meetups and alumni panels helped participants understand career pathways, refine elevator pitches, and practice interviewing techniques.
Future Directions for McC Summer Programming
- Expand hybrid formats to reach remote learners without sacrificing hands on support.
- Introduce micro credentials that stack toward broader certification pathways.
- Strengthen employer internships tied directly to studio and lab outcomes.
- Incorporate feedback loops with alumni to refine curriculum relevance.
- Increase accessibility through sliding scale fees and targeted scholarships.
FAQ
Reader questions
What prior experience is required for the bootcamp intensive?
No prior coding experience is required, only curiosity and basic computer skills; instructors adjust pace to support diverse learners.
Can I attend the design studio lab part time while working?
Yes, the studio lab offers evening sessions and flexible milestones so working students can maintain employment while completing portfolio pieces.
Will I receive a certificate upon completing the media production track?
Participants who finish all deliverables and attend critiques receive a formal certificate documenting competencies in video editing and interaction design.
How are community practice projects selected each year?
Organizations submit challenges, and instructors align them with learning outcomes, ensuring projects are relevant, scoped appropriately, and ethically grounded.