The camp offers an early pipeline into the AI, semiconductor, and IoT workforce, including potential for a yearlong innovation and research track with Virginia Tech faculty for top participants.
The UPWARDS TechTrek: AI, Chip, & IoT Innovation High School Summer Camp is a two-week immersive program at Virginia Tech's Potomac Yard campus in Alexandria. It introduces high school students to modern computing hardware and intelligent systems through hands-on modules. Participants will engage in activities covering artificial intelligence, machine learning, Python programming, and Internet of Things (IoT) platforms like micro:bit, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi. The curriculum also includes electronic circuit design, digital design with FPGA-based hardware description languages, and robotics and drone technology. Students will gain practical experience and an early pipeline into the AI, semiconductor, and IoT workforce. The program also includes field trips to leading technology and manufacturing employers, and top participants may be invited to continue into a yearlong innovation and research track with Virginia Tech faculty and students on active research projects.
A typical day involves hands-on modules in various topics such as AI, machine learning, Python programming, IoT platforms, electronic circuit design, digital design, and robotics and drone technology.
This camp is ideal for rising 10th-12th grade students across Northern Virginia interested in electrical, computer, materials, or chemical engineering, and those looking for direct exposure to processes and career paths within the semiconductor industry.
Room 4100, Virginia Tech, 3625 Potomac Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305
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