Workshops & Curriculum
Building foundational technology fluency through hands-on problem-solving
How We Teach
We teach students how technology actually works so they can understand, troubleshoot, and build solutions to real problems.
We start with the fundamentals: how to navigate a file system, use common software, and understand how networks function. A student who understands what's happening when they type a URL into a browser, who has traced network issues and fixed hardware problems, becomes far more capable - whether they're building applications, supporting their workplace's technology needs, or just being more effective in their daily life. From there, we layer on deeper concepts, development tools, and best practices - all through hands-on problem-solving.
How Workshop Learning Works
Our workshops & curriculum are designed to help students build real skills through a combination of guided instruction and independent problem-solving. You won't see endless slides or lectures here - instead, we focus on active learning. Our instructors guide students through hands-on tutorials by demonstrating concepts and walking step-by-step through examples themselves, having students complete each step alongside them. These very direct tutorials give the students the skills to then complete exercises on their own that require applying what they've learned.
Instructors are there every step of the way to provide guidance, answer questions, and help troubleshoot issues as they arise. This blend of direct instruction and independent practice helps students internalize concepts and build confidence in their abilities. This "learn by doing" approach ensures students aren't just passively absorbing information, but actively engaging with the material. They build confidence as they solve problems, troubleshoot issues, and create projects from scratch - all with expert guidance along the way.
Some of our introductory workshops are available to the general public, but most require membership in our community to ensure students have access to the computing infrastructure and support they need to get the most out of the experience both during the workshops and as they continue learning independently.
Many of our workshops also build on each other, so students can progress from foundational skills to more advanced topics over time. Beyond their membership & prerequisite skills, students don't need to bring anything but their brains - working in spaces provided by our community partners, we provide all the hardware, tools, and resources they need to succeed.
Workshop Formats
We deliver curriculum through workshops that adapt to what communities need. What we deploy when & where depends on geography, local interest in different topics, and what our partner organizations can support.
Single-Session Introductions
2-4 hour workshops introducing a specific topic or skill. Most of our foundational workshops look like this. Great for trying something new or getting a taste of something before committing to something bigger.
Multi-Week Series
Weekly sessions over 6-18 weeks, allowing students to absorb material between meetings and practice on their own. Ideal for building deep understanding of a topic.
Intensive Camps
Longer, immersive experiences over spring break, summer, or other school holidays. Students make rapid progress on a specific skill tree or complete a major project.
Ready to Start Learning?
Whether you're a student ready to dive in or an organization interested in hosting workshops, we'd love to hear from you.