TechLab is an innovative partnership between the Boy Scouts of America and Austin I.S.D.

TechLab is a youth day camp that offers “hands-on” learning in science, technology, engineering, art and math like no other summer program in the greater Austin area. It offers curriculum and equipment that many children will NEVER see in their local elementary or middle school classrooms.

TechLab is the result of a longtime Scouting donor’s vision to make quality STEM-related learning available to youth in the Scouting program, as well as in the public school system. This same donor is responsible for contributing the funds, through the Boy Scouts, for the new Applied Technology Center at Anderson High School.

We know this camp inspires children and may kindle career interest in tech and art fields. As such, the camp is open to everyone from every background. We are committed to making it a premier learning experience for youth in and outside of Scouting.

Camp Facts

Attendance

175 youth per week. 5:1 Participant to Instructor ratio. Open to all youth (no Scouting membership necessary) in 3rd through 9th grades.

Before Camp

70% of surveyed youth had used microscopes

28% of surveyed youth had used 3D printers

12% of surveyed youth had used CAD programs
62% of surveyed youth had used digital cameras
59% of surveyed youth had used programming

After Camp

100% of campers had experience with tools listed in the "before camp" section

Most youth came to camp most excited about robotics. By the end of camp, they were equally excited about robotics, CAD design, Environmental Science, and digital media.

Inspiration

75% of Nobel Prize winners in the sciences report that their passion for science was sparked in a non-school setting. (source: http://www.click2sciencepd.org/ )

STEAM camps increase interest and skills in creative technology.

Academic Impact

During the summer, most students lose 8-10 weeks of skills learned during the previous school year. Attending an educational summer camp can reduce that loss.

Youth who attend educational summer camp are 12X more likely to graduate high school.

Camp Founders

Capitol Area Council, Boy Scouts of America

Since 1912, our mission has been to prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Law. We achieve this through thousands of dedicated, talented volunteers and a small number of professional staff. We serve youth in Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, DeWitt, Fayette, Gillespie, Gonzales, Hays, Lavaca, Lee, Llano, Mason, Travis and Williamson Counties.

Learn more at www.bsacac.org.

Austin Independent School District

The Austin Independent School District is the heart of public education in Austin, Texas. In partnership with parents and our community, AISD’s mission is to provide a comprehensive educational experience that is high quality, challenging, and inspires all students to make a positive contribution to society. We partner with world-class universities, innovative businesses and nonprofit organizations and engaged community leaders to prepare our students for college, career and life.

Learn more at www.aisd.org.

STEM Scouts

STEM Scouts is a program of the Boy Scouts of America, focused on fun ways for girls and boys, grades 3 - 12, to learn more about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). STEM Scouts instills the values of the Scout Oath and Law and encourages the natural curiosity of young minds as they develop skills in leadership, teamwork, problem solving, and communication. Using hands-on activities, field trips, and interaction with STEM professionals, youth expand their knowledge of academic concepts while they have fun and make friends.

Learn more at www.stemscouts.org.