Do you like to make things?
Are you curious about science?
Do you find technology fun?
Learn about coding, modeling, crafting, sewing and building. Have fun engaging with kids from other schools throughout the county in the state-of-the-art maker space at Sonoma State University!
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Tinker Days 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 developed for girls and called the “Girls Tinker Academy” but is open to all 7th-9th graders including gender-expansive youth.
Tinker Days 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. Learn more and make a gift today.
Since 2018, Girls Tinker Academy and Tinker Days has been offered FREE because of generous gifts from individuals and businesses in our community. Consider a gift today to ensure we can continue engaging and inspiring students in STEM!
Special thanks to these corporate sponsors for supporting our 2021 programs!
Watch this video to see what Tinker Academy is all about
Tinker Days Program Details
Tinker Days is designed to engage and inspire middle school students in Maker pedagogy to encourage the exploration and development of technical, mathematical, and artistic abilities. The hands-on sessions introduce participants to coding, modeling, crafting, sewing and building.
For each session, the Tinker Days coordinator and techs from Sonoma State will present a challenge for participants to work on both together and independently.
Andrea M., 8th grader“Many girls are saying that this is one of the best summer programs they have done, and it is... they are 100% correct. I would really love to do this next year.”
Academy Instructors and Staff:
SSU faculty and students committed to broadening participation in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) are leading the Academy. Math Professor Natalie Hobson is the program coordinator and will lead each session with smaller cohorts supported by outstanding Sonoma State undergraduate student techs.
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 Days applicants must:
- Be current middle school students (currently in 7th through 9th grade).
- Attend a middle school in Sonoma County.
Application:
To be considered for participation, all online forms and recommendations must be completed:
- Tinker Days 2021 Application (personal data and personal statement)
- Video or audio submission (see application above)
- Recommendation from Math or Science Teacher (CTE Foundation to distribute)
Applications are due Friday, October 29, 2021!
Upon submission, CTE Foundation will email students’ recommenders requesting their recommendation. Teachers will have until Friday, November 5 to submit their recommendations. Applicants will be notified on or before November 22.
Questions: Call or email Leslie Simmons, (707) 755-5724
