Programs Overview
CC4H robotics:
Students design, build, and compete with robots across all three levels of FIRST Robotics — FLL, FTC, and FRC — developing real-world engineering and teamwork skills from 4th through 12th grade.
CentreSTEM's robotics program, Centre County 4-H Robotics, provides hands-on STEM education for students in 4th–12th grade through all three levels of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) competitions. Elementary students get started with FIRST LEGO League (FLL), building and programming LEGO-based robots to solve real-world challenges. Middle school students advance to FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), designing and constructing more complex robots using industry-standard components. High school students take on the ultimate engineering challenge in FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), building competition-ready robots alongside experienced mentors and competing at regional and international events — including a 2018 World Championship victory in Detroit.
Every team is student-led, volunteer-driven, and open to all — no prior robotics or STEM experience is required. Students don't just build robots; they learn to design, manufacture, program, and problem-solve as a team, developing real-world engineering and leadership skills that extend far beyond the classroom. With 12 teams, 130+ students from 29 schools, and a growing network of community mentors and sponsors, the robotics program is at the heart of CentreSTEM's mission to inspire the next generation of innovators in Centre County.
AI Programs:
From machine learning to prompt engineering, students explore the foundations of AI through hands-on, age-appropriate lessons that teach them to understand and use AI responsibly.
Cybersecurity Classes:
Middle and high school students dive into network security, digital privacy, and ethical hacking challenges, building the skills to protect and navigate an increasingly connected world.
Robotics
AI Programs
CentreSTEM is building an AI education program designed to introduce students of all ages to the concepts, tools, and ethical considerations shaping the future of technology. Our curriculum covers the foundations of machine learning, prompt engineering, chatbot design, responsible us of AI, and industry application of AI — all taught through age-appropriate, hands-on learning experiences. This summer, we're launching our first major AI program for 3rd–5th graders, giving elementary students an early and accessible entry point into the world of artificial intelligence. As the program grows, CentreSTEM will expand AI offerings across middle and high school levels, equipping students with the skills and critical thinking needed to not just use AI, but understand how it works and how to use it responsibly. Whether a student is curious about how a chatbot thinks or wants to train their first machine learning model, CentreSTEM's AI program is designed to meet them where they are and spark a lifelong interest in one of the most transformative fields of our time.
Cybersecurity Classes:
CentreSTEM's cybersecurity program is our next offering, bringing middle and high school students into the fast-growing world of digital defense. Students explore the fundamentals of network security, learning how systems are built, protected, and — in some cases — compromised. Through a mix of structured lessons and hands-on practice, students tackle real-world scenarios including digital safety, online privacy, and ethical hacking through capture-the-flag (CTF) challenges that turn complex security concepts into engaging, team-based problem-solving. As the program grows, CentreSTEM plans to expand into competitive cybersecurity events, giving students the opportunity to test their skills against peers at the regional and national level. Whether a student is interested in protecting personal data or pursuing a career in cybersecurity, this program provides the foundation and hands-on experience to get started in one of the most in-demand fields in technology, including preparation for CompTIA Security+ Certification.