Our Crowdfunding Groups
We need to get our kids excited about science, a way to build on their classroom experiences.
Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are some of the fastest-growing job sectors in the world. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates there will be 1.4 million job openings for computer specialists by 2020. Unfortunately, American universities are only expected to produce enough qualified graduates to fill 29% of those jobs.
Your average middle or high schooler probably isn't thinking about the future of the economy, but they are making important discoveries about what interests them and what they want to be when they grow up. If our standard STEM curriculum isn't convincing them to see themselves as future scientists, a more fun, hands-on approach could be just what's needed to expand their imagination.
Your gift will set a student on the path to scientific discovery and long-term success.
We need you to help us build a better STEM program, one that reaches kids when they need it most, one that "speaks their language," one that gives them access to resources and expertise that can only be found at Virginia Tech: Kids' Tech University- The Graduate School Edition.
Whatever you can afford to give will make a huge difference. Kids' Tech University (KTU) is an all-in-one program that covers everything from lab supplies to on-campus meals for our aspiring scientists. Your gift gives us the tools we need to make this happen.
You are supporting a new approach to STEM education with a proven track record of success.
Over the past decade, faculty at the Biocomplexity Institute of Virginia Tech have been developing KTU as a program for 9-12 year olds throughout Virginia. Offered in partnership with Virginia 4-H, KTU's impact has been remarkable: thousands of children reached, hundreds of Virginia Tech faculty and students volunteering to help pass on their love of science. With your help, we can expand on this success and reach a whole new group.
Thank you for being part of the KTU team!
KTU is a fun, hands-on intro to real STEM skills—something no other classroom experience can touch. We need your support to make this program a reality for a new generation of students.
We appreciate whatever you can give to help us reach our fundraising goal. Thank you for your support and for sharing our message with the science-lovers in your life.
Your gift will cover the cost of meals for one of our aspiring scientists! Brain food will help these students get the most out of their KTU experience.
Your gift will cover the cost of one KTU student's ecological studies at the Virginia Tech Duck Pond.
Your gift will cover the cost of key lab materials for our high-tech KTU experiments!
Your gift will cover the cost for a KTU student to get their first hands-on experience with DNA sequencing!
Your gift will cover the cost of instructional materials for an entire KTU class! All non-anonymous donors at this level will have their names printed in a special acknowledgements section of our lab notebooks.
You've gone above and beyond to help make this KTU program a reality! In addition to getting your name printed in the acknowledgements section of our lab materials, you will receive a hand-written thank you note, signed by our KTU students!