Location: HCC West Loop Campus, 5601 W Loop S., Houston, TX 77081
Apple Lab Room #150, main hallway across from the library
Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:50 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.
Instructor: TBD
Join us for a hands-on, 24-week creative technology journey, divided into two engaging 12-week sessions in the fall and spring, designed specifically for Pathways students. Guided by Eagle Spark instructors, this series blends Apple-based creative tools with practical, project-based learning in a supportive and low-pressure environment.
Over the course of the academic year, students will explore four engaging topics, each building toward a final creative portfolio piece:
Fall 2025 (2nd Start – September 16 to December 18)
- Weeks 1–6: Apple Technology Fundamentals
- Weeks 7–12: Introduction to Graphic Design
Spring 2026 (2nd Start – February 10 to May 14)
- Weeks 13–18: Video Storytelling
- Weeks 19–24: Podcasting
By the end of the series, students will have completed a personal creative project, such as a poster, logo, podcast, or short video, that showcases their skills and creativity.
Workshop Highlights:
- Provide an alternate, low-pressure track for students
- Offer specialized training to support neurodivergent learners in mastering digital communication tools
- Encourage creativity by keeping the Apple Lab open after class for additional practice and project development
- This workshop series is completely free for all participating students and designed to make creative tech learning accessible, supportive, and fun
Important Dates:
- September 4, 2025 – Eagle Spark Open House (9:30 AM - 11:30 AM):
Students, families, and HCC leadership are invited to tour the Apple Lab, meet the Eagle Spark team, explore our tech stations, and get a hands-on preview of what’s to come in the workshop series. - April 29, 2026 – DigiCom Portfolio Review (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
Eagle Spark participants will showcase their work alongside other students during this special industry night. Each student will have a table to present their projects to visiting professionals. - May 7, 2026 – Final Presentation Day (10:50 AM - 12:50 PM):
The final day of the Eagle Spark x Pathways series will be dedicated to celebrating student work with presentations and a showcase of the projects developed throughout the program.
Registration Information:
This workshop series is open exclusively to Pathways students. An access code is required to register. Please contact your Pathways Coach for the code.
Eagle Spark x Pathways Creative Tech Workshop Series Schedule
Below is the schedule for the Pathways Creative Technology Workshop Series. This 24-week journey is divided into two 12-week sessions across the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters. Each six-week segment focuses on a specific creative technology topic, allowing students to build skills progressively and apply them toward a final project. The sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:50am – 12:50pm.
Weeks 1–6: Apple Technology Fundamentals, Tuesdays & Thursdays
- Week 1: September 16, 18
- Week 2: September 23, 25
- Week 3: September 30, October 2
- Week 4: October 7, 9
- Week 5: October 14, 16
- Week 6: October 21, 23
Weeks 7–12: Introduction to Graphic Design, Tuesdays & Thursdays
- Week 7: October 28, 30
- Week 8: November 4, 6
- Week 9: November 11, 13
- Week 10: November 18, 20
- Week 11: December 2, 4
- Week 12: December 9, 11
Weeks 13–18: Video Storytelling, Tuesdays & Thursdays
- Week 13: February 10, 12
- Week 14: February 17, 19
- Week 15: February 24, 26
- Week 16: March 3, 5
- Week 17: March 17, 19
- Week 18: March 24, 26
Weeks 19–24: Podcasting, Tuesdays & Thursdays
- Week 19: March 31, April 2
- Week 20: April 7, 9
- Week 21: April 14, 16
- Week 22: April 21, 23
- Week 23: April 28, 30
- Week 24: May 5, 7
September 4, 2025 – Eagle Spark Open House (9:30 AM – 11:30 AM):
Students, families, and HCC leadership are invited to tour the Apple Lab, meet the Eagle Spark team, explore our tech stations, and get a hands-on preview of what’s to come in the workshop series.
April 29, 2026 – DigiCom Portfolio Review (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM):
Eagle Spark participants will showcase their work alongside other students during this special industry night. Each student will have a table to present their projects to visiting professionals.
May 7, 2026 – Final Presentation Day (10:50 AM – 12:50 PM):
The final day of the Eagle Spark x Pathways series will be dedicated to celebrating student work with presentations and a showcase of the projects developed throughout the program.
Explore Before the Sessions
Want to get familiar with what's coming? Feel free to browse the activities below at your own pace. They're here to help you feel more comfortable before we meet!
Apple Fundamentals
Whether you’re new to Apple tech or just want to build more confidence, the first six weeks of this series will help you master the basics—from navigating your device to using built-in apps like Notes, Safari, Photos, and more.
Once you get comfortable with the fundamentals, a whole world of creative possibilities opens up. If you’re feeling curious before the workshop, explore Apple’s Everyone Can Create resources for inspiration on what’s possible using iPad: Everyone Can Create – Apple Learning Center
Here, you’ll find creative ideas for:
- Drawing
- Photography
- Video
- Music
- Storytelling
Why This Matters
When you understand the basics of your device, you can use it not just for productivity but for creativity, communication, and problem-solving. It’s not just about learning how to use an iPad, it’s about what you can create with it once you do.
Graphic Design
Get curious about graphic design!
In the second six-week segment, you’ll explore the fundamentals of creating eye-catching digital posters using Apple’s creative tools. You’ll learn how to combine imagery, text, and layout principles to tell a visual story—no prior design experience required.
If you want to explore graphic design before the session, check out this free Apple learning resource: Personalize a Postcard – Apple Learning Center
Activities in this module include:
- Choosing a theme and visual style
- Importing and arranging images
- Adding and formatting text
- Applying color theory and design principles
- Exporting your finished poster for print or digital use
Why This Matters
Graphic design is more than making things look good—it’s about communicating ideas clearly and creatively. Whether you’re creating a poster for an event, a cause, or just for fun, you’ll gain skills that can be applied to school projects, personal branding, and beyond.
Video Storytelling:
Explore Video Storytelling! You don’t need prior experience—just curiosity and a creative spark. In the first 6-weeks of our Spring session, we’ll show you how to use iMovie on iPad to create short videos using green screen, music, and simple editing tools.
Before we meet, you can check out this free Apple activity to get inspired:
Create Green‑Screen Effects in iMovie
Learn how to bring your ideas to life using iMovie and green screen technology: Explore the Green Screen Activity
Why This Matters
Video storytelling helps you communicate ideas with clarity and creativity—whether you’re making a how-to video, capturing a moment, or telling a story that matters to you. With just an iPad, you can start creating content that’s personal, powerful, and shareable.
Podcasting
Whether you have something to say, want to tell your story, or simply explore a new creative outlet, podcasting is a powerful tool for self-expression and connection.
During the last 6-weeks of the Series, you’ll learn how to use GarageBand on iPad to record, edit, and share audio from personal reflections to interviews, storytelling, or even your own theme music.
Try This Before the Workshop:
Explore beginner-friendly audio projects like:
- Recording an intro or theme song
- Editing a voice memo with sound effects
- Creating your first podcast episode with GarageBand
Apple Learning Center – Creating a Podcast
Why This Matters
Podcasting helps you build confidence, organize thoughts, and develop your authentic voice. Skills that serve far beyond the classroom!
