The ASCENT initiative at FSU Panama City is a transformative project designed to build a robust pipeline of technology talent. By bridging the gap between K-12 education and the regional cybersecurity and engineering sectors, we are preparing the next generation of innovators for high-demand careers through hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications.
Core Initiatives
- Program Expansion: Expanding technology-related after-school programs and summer camps leading to industry certifications for middle and high school students.
- Professional Development: Establishing opportunities for regional teachers (T3) to earn industry certifications, enhance curriculum, and implement best practices in the classroom.
- Student Support: Providing direct assistance through tutoring programs, classroom resources, and teacher recruitment to strengthen the regional STEM ecosystem.
- CTE Partnerships: Collaborating with district leaders to develop standards-aligned Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
Educator Excellence (T3 Program)
The ASCENT initiative provides K-12 educators with the tools to lead 21st-century classrooms.
T3 Teacher Training: Opportunities for teachers to earn the same industry certifications they teach, ensuring classroom instruction meets current professional standards.
AI & Computational Thinking: Collaborative workshops focused on integrating artificial intelligence, block coding, and computational thinking into the standard K-12 curriculum.
CPALMS Integration: Support for developing and publishing standards-aligned lessons to enhance statewide educational resources.
Summer 2026 K-12 Program Schedule
Below is the comprehensive timeline for our iCamp sessions, teacher training, and partner programs across Northwest Florida.
| Program Session | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| ICAMP SESSIONS | ||
| N. Walton County iCamp (Session 1) | June 1 – June 4 | Maude Saunders Elementary |
| N. Walton County iCamp (Session 2) | June 15 – June 18 | Maude Saunders Elementary |
| FSU PC iCamp (Session 1) | June 15 – June 18 | FSU Panama City |
| FSU PC iCamp (Session 2) | June 22 – June 25 | FSU Panama City |
| Gulf County iCamp (Session 1) | July 6 – July 9 | PSJ School & Wewa School |
| South Walton iCamp (Session 1) | July 6 – July 9 | South Walton |
| T3 TEACHER TRAINING | ||
| T3 Teacher Training (Session 1) | June 8 – June 11 | Franklin County |
| T3 Teacher Training (Session 2) | June 22 – June 25 | FSU Panama City |
| PARTNER PROGRAMS | ||
| Moving Education Incorporated | June 1 – July 10 | Apalachicola, FL |
| Kukua Institute | June 8 – July 18 | Pensacola, FL |
*Note on Overlapping Sessions: June 15–18 and June 22–25 run concurrently.
ASCENT K-12 Contact
Brianne Biddle
Assistant Director: ASCENT
Office: (850) 770-2500
bbiddle@fsu.edu
Barron Building, 305