Youth+Innovation STEM Programs at the State College of Florida Advanced Technology Center

Introduction
The State College of Florida (SCF) Advanced Technology Center (ATC) is at the forefront of providing innovative educational opportunities that prepare young people for a future immersed in technology. Through the Youth+Innovation STEM enrichment programs, SCF offers a dynamic range of pre-college workshops, camps, homeschool classes, and after-school activities designed to give students a head start in STEM fields. Located at SCF Bradenton, the ATC's mission is to foster creativity, critical thinking, and technological proficiency among the region’s young learners.

Hands-On Learning at the SCF Coding Academy
At the heart of Youth+Innovation programs is the SCF Coding Academy. This premier training center provides students from elementary through high school with an immersive, hands-on experience in emerging technologies. The academy is equipped with an array of advanced tools and resources, including Arduino microprocessors, 3D printers, laser cutters, drones, virtual reality labs, and game design laptops. These resources enable students to engage directly with technology, fostering a deeper understanding and enthusiasm for STEM. With this excitement Coding Academy students go on to confidently seek degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

Pre-College Workshops and Enrichment Programs
SCF’s Coding Academy offers a variety of programs tailored to different age groups and interests:

• Pre-College Emerging Technology Workshops: High school students can participate in workshops that explore cutting-edge technologies such as drones, robotics, augmented/virtual reality, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and ethical hacking. These free workshops allow students to meet industry professionals, explore majors and careers in emerging technologies, and engage in hands-on exercises which can help them decide which fields they should pursue based on their interests and competencies. Pre-college workshops at the SCF Advanced Technology Center explain how the courses students take today can impact the college-level preparation they will need for their future careers in technology.

Homeschool Education
The SCF Coding Academy is also dedicated to supporting the education of homeschool students. The Innovation Zone provides a unique lab and classroom environment where homeschoolers can receive training with computer aided design, coding, robotics, virtual reality design, and electronics. These tools offer homeschool students the opportunity to experiment and learn in a state-of-the-art setting, complementing their traditional homeschooling curricula. Whether it's exploring the basics of robotics or diving into advanced topics like AI, these programs are crafted to meet the diverse needs and interests of homeschoolers from ages 10-18.

After-School Enrichment Programs

For younger students, from 2nd through 8th grade, SCF provides a range of after-school classes that combine fun and education. These include:

• Coding with Minecraft®: Using the popular game to teach coding fundamentals.
• FIRST® LEGO® League Robotics: Building and programming LEGO robots to solve real-world challenges.
• Drone Zone Experience: Learning to operate and understand drone technology.
• Cybersecurity, AR/VR, AI, and 3D Design/Printing: Introducing advanced technology concepts in a hands-on manner.
• Drone Competitions and Cybersecurity and AI Hackathons: Engaging students in friendly competitions to apply their technology skills in practical information technology scenarios.

These classes not only introduce students to basic concepts but also develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills, setting a strong foundation for future academic and career pursuits.

Seasonal STEM Camps
The SCF ATC offers seasonal STEM camps during Summer, Winter, and Spring breaks across its Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice campuses. These camps cater to different age groups with activities that match their interests and developmental levels:

• Elementary Camps: These camps focus on engaging younger students with activities like Minecraft, drones, and robotics. They are designed to make learning fun and accessible, laying a strong foundation in STEM.
• Middle and High School Camps: Older students can delve into more complex topics such as robotics, engineering, manufacturing, graphic and video production, and cybersecurity. These camps often include field trips to local tech and manufacturing businesses, providing students with real-world insights into the industry.

Emerging Technology Lab
The SCF Advanced Technology Center’s Emerging Technology Lab is a hub of technological exploration. Here, students can experiment with 3D printers, laser engravers, VR headsets, game design computers, robots, drones, and Arduino microcontrollers. This space is open to homeschool students and youth groups, offering hands-on training that complements traditional learning. The Coding Academy invites the community to join the fun during Suncoast Remake Learning Day events each year The Emerging Tech Lab is a place where creativity meets technology, allowing students to bring their ideas to life in a supportive and innovative environment.

Impact on Youth Development
Engaging in SCF’s Youth+Innovation programs has a transformative impact on young learners. Students as young as second grade gain practical skills and knowledge in career and technical fields, which boosts their motivation and enhances their understanding of math and science concepts. The exposure to advanced technologies and real-world applications also prepares them for future academic and career success in an increasingly digital world.

Community Engagement and Accessibility
SCF is committed to making these opportunities accessible to all. The Coding Academy offers scholarships for enrichment courses and STEM camps, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder a child's ability to participate. Thanks to generous contributions from local and national foundations, SCF helps bridge the gap in STEM education and nurtures the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.

Conclusion
The State College of Florida Advanced Technology Center is not just an educational facility; it is a beacon of innovation and opportunity. Through its Youth+Innovation programs, SCF is equipping young minds with the tools and experiences they need to thrive in a technology-driven world. By fostering creativity, critical thinking, and technological skills, SCF is shaping the future leaders and innovators of tomorrow.

For more information or to schedule a tour of SCF Youth+Innovation STEM programs, please contact Director Desh Bagley at (941)752-5160 or email [email protected]. Scholarships are available for enrichment courses and STEM camps. Join us at SCF and give your child a high-tech advantage today!