Nuts and Bolts 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. FlexFactor 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. For more information email FlexFactor@tri-c.edu.

*The competition will be held at the Manufacturing Technology Center on November 22, 2025, 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

Ages: 11-14

Explore Tri-C’s Manufacturing Center of Excellence, which includes a state-of-the-art, fully-equipped fab lab. Learn how to brainstorm ideas and make them a reality during lunch-and-learn sessions with professionals who have created their own inventions. Learn about manufacturing from product design and development to product manufacture. In addition, use 2D and 3D modeling software to design, laser and 3D print for product design and development. All of the products you develop and manufacture are yours to keep. This camp is two weeks.

This camp is partially grant-funded through the Department of Labor, ONR.

Ages: 11-15

Are you interested in science and crime? Do you like playing detective? If so, this is the summer camp for you! Learn how to make casts of footprints or tire prints, take crime scene photos and more. Plus, learn about crime investigation from people working in the profession. This camp is one week.

Ages: 13 and up

Cost: Tri-C Tuition 

This experience provides an opportunity for students to take a college-level engineering course, MET 1261 Product Ideation and Design I, while participating in the Creation Station summer camp. Students will be concurrently enrolled in both programs, allowing them to learn about the product development process while also learning how to use 2D and 3D modeling software to design, laser, and print their creations. Upon completion of the camp, students will earn three hours of college credit.  No prerequisites are needed for MET 1261. Registration is subject to departmental approval. Contact alethea.ganaway@tri-c.edu for more information.  This camp is three weeks.

This camp is partially grant-funded through the Department of Labor, ONR.

Ages: 11-15

Engineering Explorers is an introductory camp to engineering fundamentals and their practical application in the realm of real-world applications to manufacturing. Through hands-on projects, campers will explore different manufacturing techniques, such as metalworking, 3D printing, and electronics production, and their application in design and product creation.

Ages: 14-17

Build and program your own drone! Learn GPS mission planning as you construct and program your own personal quadcopter for flight. Build an obstacle course that you can take home to fly your drone through. Gain experience piloting a drone on a fun and challenging indoor obstacle course. The finished product is yours to keep. This camp is one week.

Ages: 11-16

Established in 2006 by the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), Project Pipeline is open to anyone interested in becoming an architect or learning how to design a building. This camp is a collaboration between Tri-C and NOMA Cleveland.

Learn about hip-hop architecture, ecoarchitecture/sustainability, modern architecture, and how to sketch and use 2D/3D software. After brainstorming, presenting, and refining your design ideas, you’ll build your design. This camp is one week.