Press Release:

Participation in The Tech Challenge, an Engineering Design Challenge Presented by Amazon, Propels Students to Higher Education

Feb. 6, 2024, San Jose, CA — The Tech, in partnership with the Krause Center for Innovation (KCI) and Foothill College, is thrilled to announce that registration is now open for The Tech Challenge's Dual Enrollment Program. This innovative initiative allows California high school students to earn up to 12 college credits, specifically transferable to California State University (CSU), and a state Certificate of Achievement, all while participating in this year’s Tech Challenge.

What is The Tech Challenge:
Now in its 37th year, The Tech Challenge, a signature program of The Tech, aims to inspire the next generation of innovators and engineers. This annual team engineering design challenge invites students to embark on a journey that reinforces the engineering process while letting them work on real-world problems. It's an opportunity for young minds to put their STEM skills to the test in a hands-on, creative, and collaborative way.

What is Dual Enrollment?
Amid rising college costs, Dual Enrollment is a groundbreaking opportunity for high school students to simultaneously earn both high school and college credits. In collaboration with Foothill College, The Tech Challenge's Dual Enrollment Program extends this educational advantage to participants, significantly lessening the financial burden of higher education on students and their families. By successfully completing the challenge, students can earn up to 12 college credits, equivalent to a semester of coursework, and receive a California State Certificate of Achievement in Research, Design, and Development for Global Good.

Attending a semester at California State Universities (CSUs) often entails a cost approaching $3000. However, through participation in this program, students can earn up to 12 units for the low team registration fee of $50. The team registration fee is waived for students enrolled in Title 1 and after-school programs.

"I've always wanted to be an engineer, and participating in The Tech Challenge showed how fun it can be," said Parker Stewart, a sophomore at Leigh High School and participant in the 2023 Tech Challenge Dual-Enrollment Program. "Also, knowing I have a semester of college (12 units) checked off is cool too!"

Key Details:
Enrollment in the Dual Enrollment Program is now open, offering students the chance to jumpstart their college education. Here are the essential details:

Cost and Accessibility:
Participation in the Dual Enrollment Program is accessible to all, with the low enrollment fee of $50 per team. Notably, this fee is waived for students attending Title I schools or those in ASES or 21st Century funded programs.

Earn Up to 12 College Credits: Participants have the unique opportunity to earn up to 12 CSU transferable college credits, providing a head start on their higher education journey.

Deadline: The deadline to submit enrollment forms is March 1, 2024.

For more information and to embark on this transformative educational journey, visit The Tech Challenge Dual Enrollment Program.

About The Tech Interactive
The Tech Interactive is a family-friendly science and technology center in the heart of downtown San Jose. Our hands-on activities, experimental labs and design challenge experiences empower people to innovate with creativity, curiosity and compassion. The Tech is a world leader in the creation of immersive STEAM education resources to develop the next generation of problem-solvers locally, nationally and globally. We believe that everyone is born an innovator who can change the world for the better.

Media Contact:

Katie Barrow
kbarrow@thetech.org