Exploring with Innovation Academy is a program in which you can learn about welding, 3d printing, coding and robotics, all in 15 hours! 

This program takes place in Alexandria, VA at Building Momentum, a problem-solving organization with expertise in training people of all ages in fabrication and building technologies.  

Who is this program for?

This is for all individuals ages 13 - 21, with an interest in learning! You do not have to have experience in any of the fabrication technologies - Building Momentum's educators are experts at teaching individuals at all skill levels. We do ask that you want to work with your hands!

When?

• This program will run every first and third Tuesday, 6:30pm - 8pm, beginning 2/20, and concluding on 5/21
• Additonally should plan to attend any 3 community days to serve as volunteers and get the required experience with hands-on shop times. There are many weekend and no-school days to attend community days: 
  • 2024:  3/18, 3/22, 3/25, 3/26, 3/27, 3/28, 3/29, 4/1, 4/2, 4/10, 5/3, 5/27, 6/7

Where?

Building Momentum | 5380 Eisenhower Ave Suite C, Alexandria, VA 22304

What will you learn?

• Each of the months will be focused on a specific area. Roughly speaking, the focus of:
  • February is welding 
  • March is 3D printing and CAD
  • April is more CAD and laser engraving
  • May is robotics/coding
     
• Innovation Academy is a fun and hands-on program to learn many skills for fabrication and innovation well! 

More general event details:

Preferred Qualifications:

• First Aid Merit Badge or First Aid Certification

Fee:

• The fee is $185. This includes all spring sessions' instruction and materials!

• Please note: If you are already a registered Explorer in NCAC (even if in another career program: law enforcement, aviation, business, law, etc.) your annual Exploring dues allow you to register for Building Momentum's program for $140. Please reach out to stem@ncacbsa.org
   

*  Building Momentum is all about training individuals, to train more individuals to learn about fabrication, innovation and building! Those who seem like promising part-timer staff may be invited to paid opportunities or Summer Academy Staff. 

Questions? Please let us know! stem@ncacbsa.org