Frequently asked questions
Answers about our youth programs: online coding and design, Summer Hacktastic, and on-site robotics, aviation, artificial intelligence, and hack labs. Select a topic below or scroll to read more.
Online code
Live, instructor-led coding for youth—foundations through projects you can keep in a portfolio.
Who can enroll in online coding?
Programs are built for students roughly ages 8 through 18. Exact cohorts and prerequisites are listed when you register; we group learners so pacing stays approachable.
What equipment do we need at home?
A reliable internet connection, a computer (not a phone alone) with a modern browser, and headphones so students can stay focused during class. Your instructor will note any free software to install before the first session.
How do online sessions run?
Classes are interactive: instructors demonstrate, students build along, ask questions, and share screens when helpful. Expect a mix of short lessons and hands-on exercises with real-world relevance.
Hacktastic summer
Summer Hacktastic is our intensive summer experience—creative builds, teamwork, and presentation skills in a high-energy format.
Is Summer Hacktastic online or in person?
Summer Hacktastic runs as an online program. Registration records your location as ONLINE so we can coordinate schedules and materials without asking you to pick a recreation center.
What kind of device do participants need?
Students require a device with a full keyboard and mouse (or trackpad). Laptops, desktops, and Chromebooks are acceptable. The device will require a current, fully functional web browser and needs to be connected to a high-speed internet connection—at least 300 Mbps download capability. (You can check your current internet speed using this link: Speedtest.)
Will the device used be changed in any way?
No. The student will use the web browser on their computer to access our secure development environment. Absolutely no changes will be made on the participant's computer.
What will students make?
Projects vary by year and cohort but emphasize playable or demo-ready work—games, tools, or interactive experiences—plus a short showcase so students practice explaining their work to others.
What languages will the students learn?
We start with HTML and vanilla JavaScript for the following reasons:
- It is a powerful, flexible, in-demand, and ubiquitous language
- A great way to introduce students to fundamental programming rules
- Short code-to-result time keeps students motivated and engaged
- It contains both declarative and imperative programming styles
- JavaScript is the foundation for numerous upstream frameworks
What programming concepts will the students learn?
- classes vs. objects
- conditional statements
- variables
- input handling
- game loops
- sprite animation
- state management
- asset management
- data structures
- collision manifold
What math concepts are introduced?
- Vectors
- Velocity and Acceleration
- Trigonometry (Sine, Cosine, Tangent)
- Pythagorean Theorem
- Axis-Aligned Bounding Boxes (AABB)
- Cartesian Coordinate System
- Circle Collision Detection
- Reflection and Bounce Math
- Probability and Weighted Randomness
- Linear Interpolation (Lerp)
- Delta Time and Frame Rate Independent Scaling
- Matrices and Transformations (Scaling, Rotation)
- Bitwise Math (for Collision Layers/Masks)
What kind of design skills will be included?
Using open-source, graphical software, students will learn about objects, paths, layers, color codes, color theory, file types, and digital image types as they create the visual elements of their game.
Who will be teaching the class?
System architects with decades of experience designing custom software and infrastructure solutions for the technology, financial, telecom, medical, and government industries; assisted by STEM majors from prominent universities such as the University of Texas at Arlington, Texas A&M, the University of Arkansas, and the University of Cincinnati.
Are parents required during sessions?
Older students often participate independently; younger learners may need an adult nearby for login help and encouragement. Guardian contact information is collected when required for your student’s age.
Laptop: What are the device's specifications?
Students in the DFW area are eligible to receive a refurbished development laptop with each paid registration. The laptops can be used for coding, light graphic design, web surfing, and homework.
- Operating System: (Linux) Lubuntu 24.04.4 LTS
- Hard disk: 64G SSD
- Memory: 8G
- Built-in devices: Wi-Fi, speaker, microphone, and camera
- Power charger included
- Mouse included
Laptop: What is Linux?
Linux is an operating system (OS) like Microsoft Windows, Apple OS, or Chrome OS (Chromebook). Whereas store-bought laptops run one of the aforementioned operating systems, Linux is everywhere—just hiding. Your smart TVs, smart printers, car systems, and most websites run on a Linux OS.
Things to know about Linux:
- uses a lot less resources than the other OSes, which makes the computer run faster
- highly resistant to computer viruses and spyware
- not preloaded with the freeware or shareware that slows down computers
- teaches students valuable computer science skills
- includes professional-grade, open-source (aka free) alternative office and creative apps
- Please Note: no Microsoft Windows, Apple OS, or Chrome OS (Chromebook) apps can be installed on Linux
Laptop: What's the condition of the device?
These are professionally refurbished and tested business-grade devices. Although fully functional, the laptops will have varying degrees of cosmetic blemishes.
Laptop: What's the warranty of the device?
We appreciate your questions; do you have any more?
If so, please click here to contact us. (StreetCents Corporation is our 501(c)(3) parent organization)
Design courses
Graphic design tracks focus on visual communication—layout, branding, and digital tools used in industry.
Do design students need drawing talent?
No traditional art background is required. We emphasize concepts, software fluency, and critique—ideas you can apply to posters, logos, and campaign-style pieces.
Which tools do you use?
Curricula use professional-grade tools where possible, including AI-assisted design workflows where appropriate. Your welcome email lists any free accounts or trials to set up before class.
Will students leave with portfolio pieces?
Yes. Projects are chosen so students can include finished work in a portfolio for school programs or future internships.
On-site robotic engineering
Hands-on robotics at partner recreation centers—mechanisms, sensors, and programming coming together in physical builds.
Where do on-site robotics programs meet?
Sessions are held at designated city recreation centers in the Dallas area. When you register, you choose the location that fits your family’s schedule and commute.
What should students wear or bring?
Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes are best for working with hardware. We provide core kits and tools; bring a water bottle and any snacks allowed by the venue.
Is prior coding experience required?
Introductory cohorts start from structured activities; advanced sections assume familiarity with logic and simple programming. Placement details appear in the course description.
Fly
Aviation-themed STEM: principles of flight, safety thinking, and applied math and physics in an engaging, project-based setting.
Do students pilot real aircraft in class?
Youth programs use simulators, models, and ground-school concepts appropriate to age and venue. Any off-site opportunities are communicated clearly by staff and require guardian permission.
How does Fly connect to STEM careers?
Students see how pilots, engineers, and airspace planners use math, weather data, and teamwork—skills that transfer to many technical fields beyond aviation.
Are these programs only for students who want to be pilots?
No. Many participants join for the problem-solving and technology angle; the aviation context is a motivating frame for rigorous STEM learning.
Artificial intelligence
AI programs explore how models are trained, used responsibly, and applied to coding and creative work—with emphasis on critical thinking.
Will students use commercial AI tools?
We may use age-appropriate tools and APIs under instructor guidance, always with clear rules about privacy, citation, and honest use of generated content.
Do I need a powerful computer?
Many activities run in the browser or use cloud resources; your instructor will flag any session that needs extra local performance.
How do you talk about ethics?
We discuss bias, transparency, and when AI helps versus when human judgment is required—foundations for responsible use in school and future work.
Hack programs
“Hack” in our name means creative building and problem-solving—not unauthorized access. These labs emphasize rapid prototyping, collaboration, and presentation.
What does “hack” mean at TECHNOFRO?
We use the word in the maker tradition: iterative design, clever use of tools, and shipping a demo. We do not teach or condone breaking into systems or violating laws or terms of service.
Are hack labs competitive?
Some events include friendly challenges or showcases; the emphasis remains on learning, teamwork, and constructive feedback—not cutthroat elimination.
How do hack programs differ from regular coding classes?
Hack labs often run in sprints with a demo deadline, closer to how product teams ship features—great for students who thrive with a goal date and peer energy.