Teacher Bootcamps: Connecting Classrooms to Careers

Free, hands-on professional development for K–12 educators across Ohio, with no STEM background required. 

These stackable Teacher Bootcamps offer K–12 teachers and guidance counselors fully funded, one-credit workshops in four high-demand fields shaping Ohio's workforce. Attend one or combine up to three to earn free graduate credits, and leave with a lesson plan your students will love.

Funded through a grant supporting K–12 workforce education across Ohio. Graduate credits awarded through Kent State University and  may be applied toward future graduate programs. Each bootcamp earns 1 credit hour; participants may attend up to 3 bootcamps.

What's In It for You?

  • Up to 3 free graduate credit hours, officially transcripted through Kent State University and applicable toward future graduate programs
  • CEU requirements covered
  • A ready-to-use, standards-aligned lesson plan built around your grade level, subject area, and students
  • Hands-on experience with real technology: drones, cybersecurity tools, robotics, aviation systems, and more
  • Connections to engineers, aviation specialists, cybersecurity professionals, and experts you can bring back to your classroom
  • Concierge-level support throughout the entire program
  • Open to all K–12 teachers residing in Ohio — any grade, any subject, any background

How It Works

Step 1: Online Pre-Work (self-paced, approximately 15 hours)

Before your campus day, complete short online modules that build foundational knowledge and help you start connecting the content to your classroom.

Step 2: One Immersive Day on Campus (hands-on)

Spend a full day at Kent State's College of Aeronautics and Engineering working with real technology, specialized facilities, and industry experts. Lunch is provided. Campus days are fixed — select your date at registration.

Step 3: Post-Work & Lesson Development (online)

Develop a classroom-ready lesson or project tailored to your grade level and subject area. Share with peers and receive feedback from facilitators and fellow educators.

How to Register

Full term: May 18 – August 9 | Campus day hours: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm | Lunch provided | Max 20 participants per section

Select a bootcamp in the tabbed section below, choose the campus date that works for you, and note the Section and CRN numbers (you will need these in order to register). Only 20 spots per section so register today!

Register for a Teacher Bootcamp

NOTE: There is a one-time $25 application fee that you must pay when you register for a Teacher Bootcamp. However, this $25 application fee will be refunded to you upon successful completion of the Teacher Bootcamp requirements.

 

How to Register for a Teacher Bootcamp

KENT STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF AREONAUTICS AND ENGINEERING

GRADUATE NON-DEGREE

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA on a 4.000 scale
  • Official transcript(s) from each institution in which a DEGREE was earned (ie. associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, etc).  KSU transcripts can be accessed internally.

The graduate admission process is handled completely online. Your application will be processed by GRADUATE ADMISSIONS:

Street Address: Design Innovation Hub, 400 Janik Dr, Suite 260, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242

Mailing Address (Transcripts): Graduate Admissions, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242

Phone:   330-672-2444

Toll-Free: 1-800-988-KENT

Email (for questions/issues and Electronic Transcripts): gradadmissions@kent.edu

Please contact Graduate Admissions directly with any issues regarding the application or application process.

HINTS ON A FEW APPLICATION PROMPTS

From KENT STATE UNIVERSITY APPLICATION PORTAL: https://apply.kent.edu/apply/ , you will either log in or create a new account to start the online application process.  You will “Start a New Application” as a “GRADUATE” student.

Under the “Initial Questions Graduate” tab, SELECT: NON-DEGREE SEEKING (do NOT select Non Degree Endorsement or Non Degree Licensefor the degree or credential you are pursuing.

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Under “Academic Plan Graduate”, SELECT: College of Aeronautics and Engineering, Non-Degree: Graduate Non-Degree Admission-Coll of Aero and Engineering

Then SELECT:  Term you wish to begin coursework: SUMMER 2026

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Under the “Requirements-Non-Degree” tab, identify the program in which you intend to take classes or the reason why you are taking coursework: Teacher Bootcamp

Read and CHECK the acknowledgment box under Non-Degree restrictions.

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Once you submit your application and pay the application fee ($25, non-refundable), you will no longer be able to edit the application. However, you can upload copies of OFFICIAL transcript(s) on the Application Status page (available once you submit your app/app fee).  Please be aware that your application will not be forwarded to the College of Aeronautics and Engineering for review until all outstanding requirements have been met.

As a reminder, your $25 application fee will be refunded to you upon successful completion of the Teacher Bootcamp requirements.

Register for a Teacher Bootcamp

Explore how AI systems use data to support decision-making and automation across industries. Leave with classroom-ready activities that introduce AI literacy and career awareness at any grade level.

ENGR 61095 | 1 credit hour | Max 20 participants per section

SectionCampus DayCRN
007June 1713248
008June 2513249
009June 2913250

Register for Artificial Intelligence & AutomationHow To Register

What This Looks Like in the Classroom

Grades K-1stGrades 2-4

Middle School

High School

Sort pictures or words into groups and talk about how computers “learn.”Write directions for a simple task like making a sandwich. Then test the instructions exactly as written to show how computers follow precise steps.
  • Train a simple “model” by creating rules to sort or predict information.
  • Analyze patterns in data and explain how decisions are made.
  • Analyze how algorithms use data to make decisions.
  • Evaluate bias, accuracy and impact of automated systems.

 

Engage with applied activities focused on protecting information, systems, and people. Connect cybersecurity concepts to your classroom, your school, and the broader economy, with real industry experts in the room.

ENGR 61095 | 1 credit hour | Max 20 participants per section

SectionCampus DayCRN
010June 1613251
011June 2313252
012July 113253

Register for Cybersecurity & Digital Safety  How To Register

What This Looks Like in the Classroom

Grades K-1stGrades 2-4

Middle School

High School

Learn safe vs. unsafe choices online through stories.Create classroom rules for passwords and protecting information.
  • Evaluate strong vs. weak passwords and create guidelines
  • Identify risks in online behavior and build safe practices
  • Assess risks, threats and vulnerabilities in digital systems
  • Apply best practices to protect data and personal information

 

Dive into design-to-production experiences that introduce prototyping, materials, and manufacturing workflows. Connect making and design projects to real careers in Ohio's manufacturing sector.

ENGR 61095 | 1 credit hour | Max 20 participants per section

SectionCampus DayCRN
005June 1513245
006June 2413247

Register for 3D Printing & Advanced ManufacturingHow To Register

What This Looks Like in the Classroom

Grades K-1stGrades 2-4

Middle School

High School

Build shapes with blocks and talk about how things are made.Design a simple object on paper and connect it to real-world production.
  • Design a basic object to solve a problem
  • Explore how products move from idea to production
  • Design and iterate a product to meet specific requirements
  • Explore production workflows and quality control

 

Explore the careers and technologies that move people and goods, from piloting and air traffic control to drones and autonomous systems. Use Kent State's aviation facilities, simulators, and UAS equipment for a truly hands-on experience.

ENGR 61095 | 1 credit hour | Max 20 participants per section

SectionCampus DayCRN
003June 2613243
004June 3013244

Register for Transportation & Mobility SystemsHow To Register

What This Looks Like in the Classroom

Grades K-1stGrades 2-4

Middle School

High School

Practice phonics using aviation words like “jet,” “pilot,” and “map.”Map how people and goods move 
from place to place.
  • Map how people and goods move through systems
  • Analyze efficiency, routes and real-world constraints
  • Analyze systems that move people and goods at scale
  • Evaluate efficiency, infrastructure and emerging technology

 

FAQs

Do I need a STEM background?

No. The bootcamps are designed for teachers of all subject areas and grade levels. You will receive all the foundational knowledge you need through the pre-work and campus experience.

How much does it cost?

 Nothing. The program is fully funded through a State of Ohio grant. Graduate credit, materials, and all program activities are provided at no cost to participants. Lunch is provided on your campus day.

Can I choose my campus day?

Each bootcamp is offered across multiple sections with different campus dates. Select the section that fits your schedule when you register. Note that campus days are fixed and cannot be adjusted, and sections are limited to 20 participants each, so early registration is encouraged.

How many bootcamps can I attend?

You may attend up to three bootcamps and earn up to three graduate credit hours. Four bootcamp options are offered across multiple dates throughout the summer. Each bootcamp is hybrid online with one required day on campus. The campus day is specific and cannot be adjusted.

Will I earn graduate credit?

Yes. Each bootcamp awards one graduate credit hour, officially transcripted through Kent State University. Credits may be applied toward future graduate programs, subject to admission and credit acceptance policies.

Who is eligible?

Any K–12 teacher or guidance counselor residing in Ohio. The program is open statewide on a first-come, first-served basis. Sessions are limited to 20 participants each.

What are the campus day hours?

9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the College of Aeronautics and Engineering on the Kent campus. Lunch will be provided.

Can teachers from the same school attend together?

Yes, and we encourage it. Team-based participation allows educators to return to their schools with a shared understanding and coordinate implementation together.

How is this offered for free?

These bootcamps are funded through a grant supporting K–12 workforce education across Ohio. Graduate credits awarded through Kent State University and  may be applied toward future graduate programs. Each bootcamp earns 1 credit hour; participants may attend up to 3 bootcamps.