From a 2012 student:
"As someone who has always been interested in entering the medical field, I knew that computers were used in medicine, and will certainly be used more extensively in the future. However, I must say that the Summer Academy has given me a much richer understanding of what aspects of computer science I may see in the medical field and how doctors themselves can utilize recent advancements in the fields of computer science and computer engineering."
From a parent of a 2012 student:
"My child had a great opportunity to attend the Summer Academy... I asked him, 'Would you do it again knowing what you know?' (His response was) 'Yes, I would love to do it again, even with all the work and no summer vacation.' As a parent, this was an amazing opportunity for my child; I cannot express how excited we were for him to be chosen and then come home with a great attitude and ready to do it again. Thanks for a life-long memory, it was amazing!"
From a 2011 student:
"This was an awesome program for deaf and hard of hearing students with interests in computer science. I learned a lot from new friends here, with similar educational background. It’s good to meet peers that are deaf and smart."
From parents of 2011 students:
"The program furthered [our son’s] academic needs and substantially added to his understanding of the field. We note greater maturity, seriousness in purpose, and understanding and enthusiasm for the field. The UW class was excellent (great instruction) and the Academy-based class and trips expanded our student’s understanding. Finally the animation project was a very good skill building experience in working on a team. Every component of the program is first rate and the combination uniquely advances the important goals of interest, knowledge and desire to pursue a career in computers. Our son was fortunate indeed to have this experience."
"[My daughter] came home with more self-confidence and purpose. Most noticeable impact is that [she] is more social and has more self esteem. Grown much more independent as a person."
From parents of 2010 students:
"Thank you for giving our son an opportunity of a lifetime! We truly hope this program will continue so other students can benefit from this experience."
"He is more confident in himself and in his ability to successfully complete a college education. No he is really interested in going to college for computers and he knows that he can be successful if he applies himself. He shows confidence and enthusiasm because he likes it because he knows he can do it for himself."
From a parent of a 2009 student who had never been in a class with other deaf students:
"The Summer Academy was a life changing experience for our son. For the first time in his life, he was around peers who were hard of hearing and deaf who were his intellectual equals…For the first time in his life, he began looking to his future and started evaluating where he might want to work…The rigorous program and expectations at UW prepared him to excel in his classes at (his) college… he just reported back today that he got a 97 in a Junior-level Data Structures class he is taking as a first semester freshman. Because of the supports he received at UW, he learned that he needs to be organized, how to be organized, and that he must reach out to others when he is struggling…The most notable impact on our son is that he went away a child and came back an independent man, confident in his abilities and in his deafness. We can’t thank you enough for taking our lost child and putting him on the right path to happiness, confidence and success."
From a 2008 student who was the only deaf student in her high school:
"This program allowed me to explore the outside world and see what businesses and companies have to offer for people like us. This was a great boost to many, including my esteem to have faith there will be excellent job careers for those who are deaf and interested in the computers, science, engineering and/or mathematic fields. Although it was a challenging process, I believed it helped me…as an individual…I found a side of me that I had not seen before, a person that wanted to take control and pursue my dreams even more ever than before!"
From a 2008 student who was going into his senior year in high school, and was quite immature when he arrived at the Academy:
"I did indeed benefit very much from this program. It not only taught me in educational ways but also in socially and real life situation not yet approached by ‘High School’ students. For example; I have learned to socialize much more often, balance my meal budget, live with a partner in a dorm, being communicative, and team work. All this occurrences not only changed my life, it also strengthened my career path. I (narrowed) my career choices from Computer Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, to Computer Science."
From a 2007 student who had never been in a class with other deaf students:
"I really enjoyed my experience at the Summer Academy. Being away from my family on a University campus for 9 weeks prepared me for college life. When I entered college in the fall, I was more confident …. I met a lot of interesting people in the program and at the businesses we visited. I know that I would not have had the opportunity to meet as many hearing impaired professionals in the computer field if I had not attended the Summer Academy."
From a 2007 student who previously felt deafness limited him in life:
"The Summer Academy, in a way, has encouraged me to attend graduate school to obtain masters degree, and further raise the glass ceiling on behalf of deaf community. Bottom line, I would not be as motivated, energetic, career-driven, and focused as I am today without the experience being part of the Summer Academy. I appreciate what Summer Academy has done for the students including myself; for guiding students to have a possible clear view of their future, career, and network."
From a 2007 student who had never been in a class with other deaf students:
"I really enjoyed my experience at the Summer Academy. Being away from my family on a University campus for 9 weeks prepared me for college life. When I entered college in the fall, I was more confident …. I met a lot of interesting people in the program and at the businesses we visited. I know that I would not have had the opportunity to meet as many hearing impaired professionals in the computer field if I had not attended the Summer Academy."
From a 2007 student who previously felt deafness limited him in life:
"The Summer Academy, in a way, has encouraged me to attend graduate school to obtain masters degree, and further raise the glass ceiling on behalf of deaf community. Bottom line, I would not be as motivated, energetic, career-driven, and focused as I am today without the experience being part of the Summer Academy. I appreciate what Summer Academy has done for the students including myself; for guiding students to have a possible clear view of their future, career, and network."