Academic Skills Accelerated Program (ASAP) Certificate

Hands-On, Real-World Learning

Academic Skills Accelerated Program (ASAP) PACE 131

While there are many summer programs in the region, Gardner-Webb University 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, Introduction to Agriculture and American History of Inventors. 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.

Curriculum

What our students will learn!

Coupled with an emphasis on Christian business ethics and disciplinary concepts, the Academic Skills Accelerated Program (ASAP) will offer students opportunities for reality-based and hands-on learning. This will be accomplished through mentoring with Gardner-Webb faculty and networking with corporate CEOs from regional, national and international companies. Business etiquette and professional skills are emphasized. The program concludes with a field-study tour of the BMW automotive plant in Greer, SC.

Students who complete this program:

will learn to improve their AI and Cybersecurity skills
gain a better understanding of threat detection
learn how to manage projects efficiently using traditional and agile methods and discover
how to effectively utilize AI in project management
understand the cascade of free enterprise, the stock market and budgeting
learn medical terminologies that may be useful in assisting our aging population and be
introduced to the medical field
A snippet of American agriculture. Encourage innovation and creativity through exposing
them to past innovators and American history
Field-study tour of the BMW automotive plant in Geer, SC.

Course Details

What to Expect

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 July 9th, 2026. Students will attend three hours in-person/online sessions on Tuesday, and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. for five weeks, aggregating to 30 total hours of face-to-face lectures. Students will also complete online learning and research for additional 15 hours. The program will have 45 total hours. Lunch and snacks will be provided for students. The certificate is designed to be completed on July 9th with a brief graduation ceremony.

Classes will be held at the Pinnacle high school and if transportation is available at Gardner-Webb University. Students will be encouraged to bring laptops.

PACE 131 ASAP WEEKLY TOPICS*

WEEK 1 – AI & CompTIA+ General Cybersecurity
WEEK 2 – High School Project Management
WEEK 3 – Economics & Personal Finance
WEEK 4 – High School Medical Terminology
WEEK 5 – Intro to Agriculture & American History of Inventors & Graduation Ceremony with a Certificate

*Weekly topics may be alternated based on the field study tour day.

Cost

Registration fee of $25.