For the first time ever, the Technology Education Department will offer both remote and on-campus versions of the popular KidsTech programs in the same semester.

The program consists of two separate offerings, in STEM 4 Kids for kindergarteners through third graders, and Young Inventors for fourth to sixth graders. Each program is further separated into different classrooms based on grade levels, with college technology students gaining teaching experience organizing and leading sessions.

As of March 8, the remote and STEM 4 Kids sessions are now full, but spaces remain for the Young Inventors program. In this program, participants engage in four weekly sessions full of learning, designing and building. Organizers encourage all students, including girls and other groups underrepresented in STEM careers, to take advantage of this highly engaging hands-on, minds-on program which encourages students to develop problem-solving strategies and learn about the designed world.

Now celebrating 10 years of helping youth learn and have fun with technology, the four-week session will begin on March 30 for in-person sessions (running on April 6, 20 and 27) and starts on April 7 for remote learners (with additional installments on April 21, 28 and May 5). All sessions run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. 

KidsTech received an additional boost through a National Grid donation (pictured) so remote participants will have STEM learning boxes mailed to their homes. The lesson activities will still be taught via interactive video conferencing by our SUNY Oswego technology education majors.

Offering KidsTech remotely during the pandemic has allowed children to participate from across New York state, so keeping this aspect in addition to the in-person option allows continued broad access to the program.

Campus participants will be able to bring their STEM learning boxes home the last week of the program.

The cost of registration is $30, but since the program organizers want to provide every interested child an opportunity to participate, scholarships are available. Contact kidstech@oswego.edu to inquire.

As a result of the campus policy, children participating on campus will be required to provide documentation of vaccination.

For more information or to register, visit the KidsTech registration website.