During Techtober, organizations across Arkansas host events focused on technology and they celebrate the creative, innovative spirit of the state. In Northwest Arkansas, there are several opportunities that match this theme and aim to support youth developing these skills. Learn about a few of the opportunities below.
John Brown University Computer Science Academy
On Oct. 5, the John Brown University Computer Science Department launches an eight-week Computer Science Academy designed to teach 7th-12th grade students the basics of programming in JavaScript. The classes will occur on Saturdays at the Balzer Technology Center. Learn more and register below.
J.B. Hunt Hackathon
On the following weekend, J.B. Hunt Transport Services hosts a hackathon at the Balzer Technology Center where students from schools all over the region are invited to use and develop their skills to accomplish a collaborative programming project. Teams will be composed of a mix of education levels, including high school, college undergraduate, or graduate students. Although prior knowledge of programming languages and related technologies can help, previous knowledge is not required. Past participants have shared that the event helped them improve their resumes and land jobs with the company. Learn more and register below.
Scott Family Amazeum Tinkerfest
Spend the day learning through play in Bentonville! Tinkerfest, the Scott Family Amazeum’s one-day celebration of creativity, curiosity and hands-on learning, brings makers, tinkerers, artists, and creatives from diverse disciplines together for a day of family fun and discovery. Tinkerfest features science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) activities created by the local maker community, partner museums from across the country, and the Amazeum team.
- 3D Printed Polypanels | NWA 3D
- Coding Robots | Cross Church 4-H
- Hydraulic Mazes | Chabot Space and Science Center
- Learn to Solder | Amazeum
- Mobile Construction Lab | Northwest Arkansas Community College
- Tinkerbot Build | Omaha Children’s Museum
- Tinkering with Tools – Woodworking | Amazeum
Scott Family Amazeum Tinkerfest
Spend the day learning through play in Bentonville! Tinkerfest, the Amazeum’s one-day celebration of creativity, curiosity and hands-on learning, brings makers, tinkerers, artists, and creatives from diverse disciplines together for a day of family fun and discovery. Tinkerfest features science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) activities created by the local maker community, partner museums from across the country, and the Amazeum team.
- 3D Printed Polypanels | NWA 3D
- Coding Robots | Cross Church 4-H
- Hydraulic Mazes | Chabot Space and Science Center
- Learn to Solder | Amazeum
- Mobile Construction Lab | Northwest Arkansas Community College
- Tinkerbot Build | Omaha Children’s Museum
- Tinkering with Tools – Woodworking | Amazeum
New Springdale Robotics Center
The new Springdale Robotics Center is a place where students ages 5-18 who are interested can participate in activities related to STEM. The 8,000 square-foot center includes a machine shop, 3D printers, open areas to test robots, and a conference room. Mentors volunteer at the center to teach students how to build robots, program, CAD, and do electronic skills.
Northwest Arkansas Fab Lab
In Fayetteville, the Northwest Arkansas Fab Lab is dedicated to helping students develop the skills and confidence they need for a brighter future. Through equipment, tools, and technology, the Fab Lab’s students are realizing their full potential while preparing to meet the workforce demands of the future. The Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and the Fab Lab were recently featured by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation for their efforts to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurial technology leaders.
