Tech Connect

TechConnect is a STEM education and digital equity program for two target populations: children participants ages 6-13 who lack access to tech devices and gadgets; and also young adults ages 16-24, who may be in high school or college, or are Opportunity Youth, and benefit from academic and professional development opportunities during their summer internship with TechConnect.

TechConnect provides STEM resources including mini engineering kits, block coding modules, and career pathways, to youth at over 15+ City of Houston Park Community Center locations reaching about 500 children.

TechConnect Interns facilitate the daily delivery of highly interactive, hands-on STEM activities as well as literacy enrichment for youth participating in neighborhood park recreation center's summer program. In addition to the daily STEM kits and youth activities that rotate through the parks, TechConnect Fairs travel to different park sites providing an even wider opportunity for both children and interns to learn about and engage in STEM stations set up by other tech industry professionals, educational non-profits, and City of Houston departments including Human Resources, Parks and Recreation, Apple Team from Region 13.

Click to watch videos below about how TechConnect interns bridge the technology gap.

Employee Spotlight: TechConnect interns bridge technology gap in District H

Sophie's Day in the Life at TechConnect

Testimonials

"The Tech Connect Program has allowed me to gain hands-on experience working within a local government department. This program taught me patience, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. While many see Tech Connect as a program to prepare their children for the future of coding, technology, and robotics, I also see it as a space where a child's creativity and passions can be nurtured. In an education system that often overlooks a child's playful nature, the Tech Connect program provides a safe space for children to learn the basics of STEM and be their truest selves."
- Sophie Kaloustian Cerqueira, former Tech Connect Intern

“I would definitely recommend the TechConnect Houston program to other parents. There’s such a huge variety of activities for kids and parents to explore together! The hands on STEM-focused kits really make learning fun, engaging and meaningful for the children too. I think it’s a great way for children to discover new interests while the family can spend quality time together.”
- Parent of TechConnect youth participant at Melrose Park

TechConnect is an invaluable program to the community. Children are granted the opportunity to interact with technology they have not experienced before. As both a TechConnect intern and later program manager, I have seen the program benefits in different capacities.

As an intern, I witnessed how children that were unable to complete their hour-long lessons, by the end of the summer were able to finish lessons in 30 minutes or less. Children improved their listening and retention skills, and many would share they wanted to join the robotics club at their school.

As a program manager, I saw interns that were reluctant to try the activities become experts, with improved communication skills and greater confidence.
-Carisia Banda, Former Tech Connect Program Manager

TechConnect Resources

• TechConnect Job Description
• TechConnect Fair Provider Registration

Locations

Melrose Community Center
Woodland Community Center
Eastwood Community Center
Moody Community Center
Clark Community Center
Judson Robinson Jr. Community Center
Judson Robison Sr. Community Center
CherryHurst Community Center
Montie Beach Community Center
Denver Harbor Multi Service Center
Sunnyside Community Center
Love Community Center
Fonde Community Center
Independence Heights Community Center
Lansdale Community Center
And more joining us soon

Partners

Apple Region 13 - Provides Ipads and maintenance/support for our apple related apps and stem kits

City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department - Provides locations for TechConnect to host STEM fairs

Human Resources - Provides interns for TechConnect to teach and work with the youth during our programs

Upcoming Events

November 22, 2025
10:00am - 2:00pm
Linkwood Community Center
3699 Norris Dr, Houston, TX 77025

Contact Us

Email: Techconnect@houstontx.gov

Phone: 832-856-0598

Social Media:
Instagram: @TechConnectHouston

Education Links

• Education Home Page
• Calendar of Events
• College Planning Help
• Contact Office of Education