Applications Due Monday, April 3

Do you like to make things?
Are you curious about science?
Do you find technology fun?

Summer Programs Offered:

Sonoma County Office of Education

Two week program

July 10-13 & July 17-20

Sonoma State University Maker Space

Two week program

July 24-27 & July 31-August 3

Learn about coding, modeling, crafting, sewing and building. Have fun engaging with kids from other schools throughout the county in a state-of-the-art maker space.

Tinker Academy is a FREE program designed to engage and inspire middle school students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Through hands-on maker activities that encourage the exploration and development of technical, mathematical and artistic abilities, participants will gain experience and confidence to set them up for success in school. This program was originally called the “Girls Tinker Academy” and developed for girls with an aim to support girls and people of color who are underrepresented in STEM fields. It is is open to all students entering 6th-9th graders in Fall 2023 including gender-expansive youth.

Tinker Academy is sponsored by Community WISE (Women Investing in STEM Equity) and is a project of the Career Technical Education (CTE) Foundation Sonoma County. It is made possible thanks to the generous donations of individuals, businesses and foundations.

Tinker Academy Program Details

Tinker Academy is designed to engage and inspire middle school students and encourage the exploration and development of technical, mathematical and artistic abilities. The hands-on sessions introduce participants to coding, 3-D printing, robotics, crafting, sewing and building.

For each session, the Tinker Academy coordinator and techs will present a challenge for participants to work on both together and independently.

Cost:

FREE! Supplies are provided throughout the academy; a healthy snack will be provided. Participants should bring their lunch.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for the Tinker Academy applicants must:

Be middle school students in Fall 2023 (entering 6th through 9th grade).
Attend a middle school in Sonoma County.

Application:

To be considered for participation, all online forms and recommendations must be completed:

Complete the Tinker Academy 2023 Application
Video or audio submission (part of application)
Recommendation from Math or Science Teacher (CTE Foundation will make the request to your teacher based on information you provide)