Tech Turn Up Summer 2025: From Gamers to Innovators

This summer, Tech Turn Up empowered more than 70 young people across Washington, D.C. to merge creativity and technology in ways that amazed us all. From coding their first video games to building campaigns around mental health, our students proved that when youth are given the tools, they can truly change the world.

Elementary: From Playing Games to Making Them

Students ages 8–12 learned that technology is more than entertainment — it’s a tool for creation. Through Unity, they didn’t just play games; they coded their own. Alongside programming, they explored digital audio workstations, composing original soundtracks to bring their projects to life.

One standout project? Cookie Drop — a student-designed game that highlights just how quickly young creators can transform ideas into interactive reality.

Try the game yourself https://techturnup.itch.io/cookie-drop

Middle School: Storytelling in Motion

Our middle schoolers tapped into their imagination through stop-motion animation. Using the latest apps and their own handcrafted set designs, students learned how movement, design, and storytelling connect. Each animation presented an opportunity to develop a STEM mindset while blending art and technology into something uniquely their own.

High School: Design Thinking Meets Mental Health

In the Residency in Tech + Art, high school students tackled one of today’s most urgent issues: mental health. Guided by the design thinking process, they developed an awareness campaign focused on wellness, resilience, and the importance of speaking up. Their work shows just how powerful young voices are in shaping healthier, more connected communities.