All around the world, the dream of self-driving cars is swiftly becoming reality — and the University of Delaware Division of Professional and Continuing Studies (UD PCS) is inviting high school students to be part of that high-speed journey.

Applications are open for the new Autonomous Driving Academy Pre-College Summer Program, designed to give young scientists experience with the complex computer programs that serve as the brains of driverless cars.

Students who enroll in the academy won’t be driving or riding in actual vehicles, but they will enjoy plenty of high-tech, hands-on challenges and fast-moving fun. Working with instructors from UD’s renowned Connected and Autonomous Research Laboratory (CAR Lab), the teens will work in teams to build a sensor-packed car model, then create software capable of maneuvering it through an obstacle course on UD’s Science Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) Campus.

Along with technical skills, students will gain valuable experience in critical thinking, teamwork and presentation abilities.

Each student who completes the July 14-18 nonresidential program will receive a personalized reference letter, along with a digital badge to display on social media or their online profiles.

The Autonomous Driving Academy is open to select high school students, but even highly qualified middle schoolers are encouraged to apply. Candidates are required to submit a 250-word essay and meet course prerequisite requirements, including experience in robotics, proficiency in Python and some knowledge of coding in C++.

For more information, visit the Autonomous Driving Academy Pre-College Program web page.