Target Tech Kids wrapped up an exciting summer of bringing fun and educational STEM opportunities to more than 760 Minnesota youth.
More than 100 Target Team Members volunteered at events serving students from kindergarten to eighth grade. Activities included robotics, coding and 3D printing. Events were created in collaboration with our local partner organizations to pursue our mutual goal of encouraging youth to discover passions in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
“Your volunteers’ creative ideas, patience, and willingness to interact with the students helped make the day a success,” said Dr. Karen Ruth-Jarmon, capstone outreach coordinator for Junior Achievement North. Target Tech Kids volunteers help with the organization’s JA STEM Day event. “I can't wait until we do it again.”
We’re not done yet. This fall, we’re looking forward to expanding our events across the Tech organization to reach more kids and broaden our curriculum. Think after-school sessions with the YMCA, new episodes of Full STEAM Ahead, and our biggest Girl Scouts “Think Like a Programmer” event yet!
Here are a couple of summer highlights:
STEM Fest
In mid-May, nearly 500 curious kids descended on Target North Campus for STEM Fest, hosted by Target Tech Kids, Twin Cities STEM and the University of Minnesota. It was a one-day event that featured more than 50 activities, including:
- Racecar engineering
- Cryopreservation of corals
- Viewing sunspots and storms
- Observing live raptors
- RFID programming
- A performance from Fun Weird Science Guy
Team Member Event
In August, Target Team Members worked with 200 kids on STEM-themed activities, from High Tech Kids sharing robotics, to artful origami to Binary Bracelet making.
About Target Tech Kids
Target Tech Kids formed in 2018 when a group of Team Member volunteers sought out opportunities to give back to youth in our communities and work to improve diversity in STEM careers. Our mission is to empower and inspire young minds to explore the world of technology in a fun and welcoming environment. We believe that curiosity about “how things work” is one of the most valuable skills to develop.
In 2023, we participated in more than 30 events — both in person and virtual — and reached 6,000 kids, thanks to more than 300 Team Member volunteers and our partnerships with the YMCA, createMPLS, Twin Cities STEM and the Girl Scouts.
We’re proud of the progress made so far in 2024 and are excited about the future. Looking ahead, we’re developing classroom programming that can reach beyond our region and has the potential to help youth nationwide.
Read about past Target Tech Kids events, and check back for new stories. Contact us at Target-Tech-Kids@target.com.
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Target Tech Kids: Spotlight on STEM
By Beth Miller and Rebecca Roeder, August 17, 2022
Target Tech Kids (TTK) is a philanthropic effort that delivers STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education and resources for K-8 students, with a focus on underserved communities with low rates of subject matter exposure. We established the program in 2018 and this year we plan to share our passion with our biggest in-person event yet at the Minnesota State Fair's STEM Day celebration!