FlexFactor Youth Programs

Upcoming Academy

Innovator's Academy

Ages 11-16 | Cost: $50

Think like an engineer. Act like a CEO through the FlexFactor program. FlexFactor immerses middle and high school students in the world of advanced manufacturing technology, engineering and entrepreneurship. It offers a unique approach to learning by bridging the gap between students and real-world experiences. Students team up to invent products using cutting-edge technology, enhancing their skills and fostering collaborations as they strive to bring solutions that can benefit humanity. This program meets five times on Saturdays for students. At the end, they will participate in a competition similar to "Shark Tank" for prizes.

Over five Saturdays, students will: 

• Invent real products using cutting-edge technology
• Team up to solve real-world challenges
• Pitch big ideas in a Shark Tank–style competition for prizes 

Students gain creativity, confidence and career-ready skills — all while having fun!

Space is limited. Register by Oct. 22 and begin your journey from student to innovator. 

*The competition will be held at the Manufacturing Technology Center on Nov. 22 for Westshore participants.

Dates: Oct. 25 - Nov. 22
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Day: Saturday

• Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC) | CRN: 31090 - Register here
• Westshore* | CRN: 31091 - Register here

For more information, email FlexFactor@tri-c.edu.

Overview

FlexFactor was developed by NextFlex and creates a framework that connects schools, colleges, and industry partners by providing students with clear educational and career pathways through engagement by both higher education and industry.

FlexFactor immerses middle- and high-school students in the world of advanced manufacturing technology and entrepreneurship. Easily embedded into the classroom and implemented in a wide range of subject areas, the FlexFactor framework can turn any academic classroom into a career-technical education classroom. 

FlexFactor directly connects students to real-world experiences and helps them develop the skills and knowledge needed to successfully transition from high school into employment, enlistment or postsecondary education pathways.

FlexFactor — Full Version

Geared toward high school students, this five to six-week engaged research program is designed to be appealing and fun. Through team projects and interactions with business and education mentors, students develop professional skills including teamwork, reasoning, communication and critical thinking, preparing them for the culminating event: their final pitch to a panel of educators and industry partner representatives. Students participate in college-day and industry-day field trips.

FlexFactor — Sprint Version

A condensed, two-week long FlexFactor program, FlexFactor Sprint is best used with middle-school students. The program can be hosted either at your site or Tri-C. Students are immersed in topics related to technology and entrepreneurship, concluding their program by pitching a product to a panel Shark Tank-style.  FlexFactor Sprint includes open enrollment summer camps and can be extended beyond than two weeks.