A hands-on technology and design learning center is coming to Chattanooga that will provide kids and teens with a place to explore and collaborate in technology. Founded by local businessmen John Foy and Paul Cummings, TechTown will launch with summer camps in June.
“Kids are embracing technology in so many ways and need access to a broader range of resources than ever before,” said Mr. Cummings. “Young people today know how to use the latest technology better than their parents. We want to help them embrace technology through coding, graphic design, entrepreneurship and film. This will enable them to build skills that they can utilize in a state-of-the-art tech environment.”
This summer, TechTown will offer six summer camps for kids between the ages of 7-18. TechTown has partnered with Woople to temporarily host the camps at their facility on Frazier Avenue, and two camps will be held at the Level 10 Retreat Center in Wildwood, Ga. Industry professionals will serve as instructors in the camp classes where the kids will be grouped according to age.
Camp dates at Woople location:
Kilobytes: Age 7-9 June 17-19
Megabytes: Age 10-12 July 8-10
Gigabytes: Age 13-15 July 15-17
Terabytes: Age 16-18 July 21-24
Camp dates at Level 10 Retreat Center:
Kilobytes and Megabytes: Age 7-12 August 5-7
Gigabytes and Terabytes: Age 13-18 August 12-14
Expansion plans are already in place for TechTown, including the development of a year-round, subscription-based program that offers access to technology focused learning centers after school. Younger students will build foundational skills and explore their interest in a wide range of technologies. High school participants will focus on more specific and advanced technical skills, giving them a edge in future opportunities, said officials.
Scholarships will be available for summer activities and for the membership-based after school program to ensure equal opportunity for Chattanooga’s youth to participate.
Class schedules, fees and scholarships will be announced soon. Receive updates by signing up at www.GoTechTown.com. Those interested in volunteering or joining the program are invited to apply through the website.