Professional Development

2026-27 School Year

The ExCITE PD will be offered in several segments: 

Segment 1: remote instruction via Zoom plus self-paced tutorials.

• In mid-May, we will send you a survey that will help you determine how savvy you are with programming using the Snap! block coding language. Once completed, we will be able to advise you if you might benefit from taking the optional course below.

• REMOTE SESSION 1: an online program for those with little programming experience (or those with some experience who want to learn about Snap!) comprising a 3-hour remote session led by the ExCITE Team, followed by a self-paced segment aimed at further increasing your skills using Snap!

• REMOTE SESSION 2: a 3-hour remote session led by the ExCITE team to review your familiarity with the Snap! language and to introduce you to the Hummingbird computer control resource. At the conclusion of this element, you should be able to successfully create computer control programs using input and output devices.  It will be followed by a further self-paced segment to allow you to improve your Hummingbird skills!

• FACE-TO-FACE 5-DAY SESSION

We have 36 places for 2026-27 ExCITE PD program.  If the enrollment exceeds 18,  the PD will be offered in two locations.  If the enrollment does not exceed 18, the PD will be limited to one session, and will be delivered at the North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC Campus.

SESSION 1: Monday, July 20 – Friday, July 24, 2026

SESSION 2: Monday, July 27 – Friday, July 31, 2026

Exact locations will be announced in February, 2026.

Please plan to travel on the preceding Sunday so you are ready for an 8:00AM departure from the hotel on day 1. We will finish by 2:00PM on Friday.

Accommodation:

The Project will block book and pay for single occupancy rooms at a local hotel near the PD venue. 

Transportation:

Participants will need to make their own travel arrangements. The Project will cover all transportation costs, including travel to and from airports, train stations, or car mileage.

Meals and Incidentals: The Project will provide a daily per diem allowance to cover the cost of evening meals and other incidentals. Breakfast and lunch are supplied by the project at no cost.

Face-to-Face PD Daily Transportation: ExCITE will book a daily shuttle to transport participants and instructors from the hotel and to and from the venue.  Departing at 8:00am, returning at 4:30pm, daily.  On Friday, transport from the PD venue to the local airport will be provided.

Hummingbird Kits:

The Project will supply you with 15 Hummingbird kits for use in your classroom to teach the ExCITE AP CSP by Design course.  The kits remain the property of your school district at the end of the school year. Given the problems with summer shipments to K-12 districts, we plan to ship the kits in early May.