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K-12 Initiatives

51¹ÙÍø Tech Innovation Campus K-12 Initiatives

We believe computer science and STEM education are for all!

In the City of Alexandria and beyond, the 51¹ÙÍø Tech Innovation Campus is committed to inspiring, motivating, and preparing K-12 students for technology careers. We believe that starting in elementary school, all children should have access to computer science and STEM content and skills needed to thrive in the global society. Through cross sector partnerships, we work to transform K-12 education.

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The Innovation Campus is committed to:

  • Making computer science and STEM accessible in K-12 learning environments.
  • Building new pathways for students to pursue their postsecondary goals.
  • Collaborating with innovators to prepare more K-12 teachers, administrators, students, and families for a digital world.

Goals

  • Inspire and prepare the next generation of problem solvers with computing and STEM pathway experiences for the future of work.
  • Partner with K-12 teachers to transform classroom instruction with innovative, research-based approaches.
  • Convene stakeholders annually to create and update a roadmap to innovation and tech talent in K-12 and beyond.
  • Evaluate the impact of innovative programs, partnerships, and policy work.

K-12 STEM and Computing Events for 2024-2025

The 51¹ÙÍø Tech Innovation Campus has an exciting line-up of events scheduled for 2024-2025 aimed at supporting STEM education and computing in the D.C. Area.

Use our to volunteer or support any of the events as an individual, a business or a community organization!

U.S. Drone Soccer program

Program Meeting Location

  • Innovation Campus HQ
    3000 Potomac Avenue
    Alexandria, VA 22301

Participating Schools

  • George Washington Middle School
  • Francis C. Hammond Middle School 
  • Jefferson Houston K-8 IB School
  • Patrick Henry K-8 School

Dates

Please note that each program takes place on Saturdays from 9:00am to 1:00pm ET.

Fall 2024

  • Saturday, November 16, 2024
  • Saturday, December 7, 2024

Spring 2025

  • Saturday, January 11, 2025
  • Saturday, January 25, 2025
  • Saturday, February 8, 2025
  • Saturday, February 22, 2025
  • Saturday, March 1, 2025
  • Regional Qualifier, Location TBA
    Friday, March 21 - Saturday, March 22, 2025 | 6:30am - 6:30pm ET
  • National Championship, Location TBA
    Saturday, April 26 - Sunday, April 22, 2025 | 6:30am - 6:30pm ET

Check out the highlights of last year's regional competition below.

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  • Monday, June 23 - Friday, June 27, 2025
    8:30am - 12:30pm ET
    1:30pm - 4:30pm ET
  • Elementary Drone Soccer
    Tuesday, July 8 - Friday, July 11, 2025 | 8:30am - 12:30pm ET
  • Monday, July 14 - Friday, July 18, 2025

Please note that each program takes place on Saturdays from 9:00am to 1:00pm ET.

Fall 2025

  • Saturday, October 4, 2025
  • Saturday, October 18, 2025
  • Saturday, October 31, 2025
  • Saturday, November 14, 2025
  • Saturday, December  6, 2025
  • Saturday, December 13, 2025
  • Saturday, December 14, 2025

Spring 2026

  • Saturday, January 10, 2026
  • Saturday, January 24, 2026
  • Saturday, February 7, 2026
  • Saturday, February 21, 2026
  • Saturday, March 7, 2026

51¹ÙÍø Tech STEM Discovery Fair

Saturday, March 1, 2025

2:30 - 5:30pm ET


K-12 STEM and Computer science teacher professional development

The 51¹ÙÍø Tech Innovation Campus is offering a Teacher Professional Development Program with the goal of expanding STEM and computing knowledge and teaching practices among elementary and middle school teachers. The program is facilitated in partnership with the Alexandria City Public Schools and supported by a $250,000 educational grant from Amazon.


Building partnerships for impact


For additional information on Innovation Campus K-12 initiatives, contact Dr. Pamela O. Gilchrist (pamelag@vt.edu) Director, K-12 Education.

Become a Sustaining Friend of the 51¹ÙÍø Tech Innovation Campus K-12 Fund.

Join us in unpacking the wonder of STEM and computing through innovative programs, partnerships, and policy efforts. .


K-12 Newletter

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