YTA FAQs

Youth Technology Academy

Where are Youth Technology Academy (YTA) classes offered?

YTA classes can be offered at the home high school during the school day as part of the daily curriculum, after school as a club, or on Tri-C's Metropolitan Campus. The YTA customizes technology offerings according to the needs and requests of partner schools.

Is the YTA free?

All students that are enrolled in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) are eligible to take college credit classes free of charge. Funding opportunities are available for students outside of CMSD.

Is transportation provided?

Yes, all students who are enrolled in a college credit course can receive a student ID with an RTA U-Pass attached. It is valid 24/7 throughout the semester. Bus passes are available on a limited basis.

Is there a GPA requirement to join the YTA?

There is no GPA requirement. If a student is passing their classes, they can participate in the program.

Do YTA courses transfer to a four-year university or college?

Yes, YTA classes transfer to most universities and colleges. They can count as core classes or electives, depending on the student's major.

What are the advantages of YTA classes?

Some of our classes cover the cost of prerequisites and electives.
Taking YTA classes allows students to earn college credit while in high school.
Students get a safe introduction to college-level work.
Students have state-of-the-art technology placed in their hands, and they work on projects while learning real-world technical skills that can be listed on their resumes.
YTA offers opportunities such as working with leading industry mentors, internships, team participation, and meeting other kids, forming lasting friendships while bonding over robots, drones and other tech innovations.

Can students participate in this program if they don't have a computer?

Yes, either the school or YTA will provide them with a computer for class participation.

Why do students need to supply their social security numbers?

Tri-C is required to collect social security numbers for credit-earning students to comply with federal and state requirements. Once they have been admitted as a student, a Tri-C ID number will be generated. This ID will be used to register for classes.

How is the information secured?

Students' data is encrypted before it is transmitted using secure socket layers (SSL) encryption technology. However, to guarantee the security of their application data, we strongly encourage students to keep their login ID and password confidential. Anyone with access to this information can access their application file.

Who can parents and students contact with questions about the YTA?

Contact program manager Will Canaday at 216-987-4330 or non-public school coordinator Daijah Smith at 216-987-0151.

What is the FIRST Robotics Team 120?

This robotics team is an extracurricular team of students who participate in FIRST Robotics, where they learn to design, build, program and troubleshoot a 125-pound robot. Students will travel out of state with mentors, bringing their robot to compete against teams from all over the world.

How do students join the robotics team?

The interview season is around October, and applications will be handed out a month beforehand.
Students can get an application from their instructor or a YTA team member.
Interviews are conducted at the Tri-C Metro Campus. More details are provided on the application.

What qualifies a student to travel out of state with the varsity robotics team?

To qualify, students must:

Is there an out-of-pocket expense for students traveling?

No, all expenses are paid through the YTA. Each student will receive a daily stipend. Parents can also send extra funds for their child(ren).