When we were choosing a name, we didn’t want something that sounded like a class… or a program… or just another after-school activity.

We chose Lansing Tech Studio on purpose.

A studio is where creators create. It’s where ideas are tested. Where prototypes are built. Where innovation happens.

At Lansing Tech Studio, students aren’t just learning about technology — they’re using it to build, design, problem-solve, and lead. They are:

• The creators
• The next-gen leaders
• The innovators

Everything we do is centered around giving students space to think boldly, try bravely, fail safely, and build confidently.

A studio isn’t about consuming. It’s about creating.

And that’s exactly who our students are becoming.

We are absolutely thrilled to share some incredible news: Lansing Tech Studio is now an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization! This is a monumental step forward for our community and our mission.

What started as a simple backyard LEGO club has blossomed into a vibrant, year-round tech hub for the youth of Lansing. Building on the foundational success and spirit of the Lansing Homeschool Hackers, we’ve grown into a dynamic space bustling with cutting-edge technology, dedicated mentorship, and hands-on programs spanning robotics, coding, design, media, and leadership.

Our Mission

Our core mission remains unwavering: To empower the next generation by igniting their passion for technology, innovation, leadership, and service, cultivating tomorrow’s leaders driven to shape a better future in their communities and the world.

What We’re Building

With this new nonprofit status, we’re not just running programs; we’re transforming our FLL robotics initiatives into a full-blown student tech community. Our ambitious goal is to raise up confident, skilled, and principled leaders who are ready to shape the future of Lansing—and indeed, the world. We are achieving this through:

• FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Robotics Teams: Fostering competitive spirit, problem-solving, and teamwork.
• Tech Workshops: Hands-on learning experiences in diverse tech fields.
• Youth Hack-a-thons: Challenges that inspire creative solutions and collaboration.
• Service Projects: Using tech skills for community impact.
• Youth Leadership Tracks: Developing the leadership qualities essential for tomorrow’s innovators.

Becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit means we can significantly expand our impact, forge stronger partnerships, and launch new, innovative initiatives that were previously out of reach. But we cannot do this alone.

Join Us in Building the Future

This exciting new chapter requires collective effort, and we are actively seeking support from individuals and organizations who believe in the potential of our youth.

We’re looking for:

• Funding: Financial contributions to expand our programs, acquire new equipment, and offer scholarships to ensure accessibility for all.
• Volunteers: Passionate individuals to serve as mentors, coaches, workshop assistants, and event coordinators.
• Community & Corporate Partners: Organizations eager to collaborate on projects, provide resources, or offer valuable industry insights and opportunities.

Your involvement, no matter how big or small, will make a tangible difference in the lives of our students and the future of our community.

Ready to learn more or get involved? Contact us today! Let’s build something truly amazing—for our kids, our city, and the future.

What Makes Us Different

At Lansing Tech Studio, we believe that technology education should be:

• Hands-on: Students learn by building, coding, and creating real projects
• Collaborative: Teamwork and peer learning are at the heart of everything we do
• Community-focused: We use our skills to make a positive impact in our local community
• Inclusive: We create opportunities for learning for students with our foundation being homeschoolers and students with different learning styles.

Current Season Update

Our FIRST LEGO League teams are deep into preparation for the upcoming regional tournament on January 25th. This year’s challenge, “SUBMERGED℠,” has pushed our students to think creatively about ocean exploration and conservation.

Team Highlights:

• Team Python: Lifeguard drone
• Team Scratch: Developing underwater cleanup solutions

Each team has been meeting every Thursday since September, and their dedication and creativity continue to amaze us.

Looking Ahead

We have several exciting initiatives planned for 2025:

Spring Programs

• Coding Bootcamp: Robotics Camp with TinkrLab
• Web Development Workshop: Build your first website (May)

Summer Opportunities

• STEM Summer Camp: Week-long day camps for different age groups
• Maker Projects: Advanced building and programming challenges
• Community Service Intensive: Major community impact projects

New Partnerships

We’re excited to announce new partnerships with:

• Eaton Rapids Family Fare
• Recruitment Management Services (RMC)
• Local engineering firms for career exploration

How You Can Get Involved

Whether you’re a student, parent, or community member, there are many ways to join our mission:

For Students:

• Register for upcoming workshops and camps
• Join a FIRST LEGO League team next season
• Participate in our community service projects

For Parents:

• Volunteer as a mentor or coach
• Help with events and transportation
• Join our parent communication network

For Community Members:

• Sponsor our programs and equipment
• Provide professional mentoring
• Offer internship opportunities

For Businesses:

• Partner with us for student projects
• Sponsor teams and events
• Provide resources and expertise

Thank You to Our Supporters

None of this would be possible without our sponsors, community partners, and the local businesses that provide supplies, services, and encouragement.

Join Our Community

Ready to be part of something amazing? Here’s how to stay connected:

• Follow us on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes content
• Attend our events and see our students in action
• Contact us to learn about volunteer and sponsorship opportunities

We’re building more than robots and websites - we’re building the future leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers our community needs. Come join us on this incredible journey!

Questions about our programs? Want to get involved? Contact us - we’d love to hear from you!

Team Progress Updates

Lansing Homeschool Hackers 🦈

Focus: Coral Reef Restoration Innovation Project: Smart Coral Monitoring System

The Lansing Homeschool Hackers have developed an incredible solution for monitoring coral reef health using underwater sensors and AI analysis. Their robot consistently scores 280+ points in practice runs, and their presentation skills have improved dramatically.

Recent Achievements:

• Completed their innovation project prototype
• Mastered 8 out of 10 robot missions
• Presented to local marine biology experts for feedback

Team Scratch 💻

Focus: Ocean Plastic Cleanup Innovation Project: Autonomous Cleanup Drone Network

This team has blown us away with their ambitious project to create a network of autonomous drones that can identify and collect plastic waste from ocean surfaces. Their programming skills have grown exponentially this season.

Recent Achievements:

• Built a working prototype of their cleanup drone
• Scored 295 points in their best robot run
• Partnered with a local environmental group for project validation

Team Python 🌊

Focus: Lifeguard Support Innovation Project: Lifesaving drone in water

Team Python has tackled water safety with their lifesaving drone concept — a rapid-response drone that can reach a struggling swimmer and deliver flotation support faster than a lifeguard can swim. Their solution combines engineering creativity with real-world impact.

Recent Achievements:

• Created detailed technical drawings and 3D models
• Developed a comprehensive implementation plan

Competition Day Logistics

Tournament Details

• Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
• Location: Michigan State University Engineering Building
• Schedule: 7:00 AM departure, 8:00 PM return (estimated)

What to Expect

The regional tournament includes four main components:

1. Robot Performance (3 rounds, 2.5 minutes each)
2. Innovation Project Presentation (5 minutes + Q&A)
3. Core Values Activities (Teamwork challenges)
4. Robot Design Interview (Technical discussion)

Parent Information

• Transportation will be provided via chartered bus
• Teams will eat lunch at the venue (provided)
• Awards ceremony begins at approximately 4:00 PM
• Please arrive at pickup location by 6:45 AM

Behind the Scenes: What Makes Success

Mentor Spotlight

Our volunteer mentors have been incredible this season:

• Coach Brendon (Software Engineer): “Watching these kids debug code and iterate on designs teaches me new ways to approach problems in my own work.”
• Coach Adam (Launch Manager at GM): “Their creativity is unlimited. They come up with solutions I never would have thought of.”

Student Leadership

We’re particularly proud of how our older students have stepped up as peer mentors:

• Teaching younger teammates programming concepts
• Leading design review sessions
• Organizing practice schedules
• Providing emotional support during challenging moments

Competition Strategy

Final Preparation Checklist

✅ Robot programming completed and tested
✅ Innovation project presentation rehearsed
✅ Team uniforms and pit setup materials ready
✅ Core values activities practiced
✅ Backup plans for technical difficulties prepared

Goals for Competition Day

While we’d love to advance to the state championship, our primary goals are:

1. Have fun and represent our values
2. Learn from other teams and judges
3. Celebrate the journey and growth
4. Inspire other young people
5. Come home excited for next season

Community Support

The support from our community has been overwhelming:

• 50+ family members planning to attend as spectators
• Local businesses providing healthy snacks for the bus ride
• High school alumni sending encouraging messages
• Sponsor representatives planning to visit our pit area

Special Thanks

• All the families who have volunteered countless hours

Looking Beyond Competition

Regardless of Saturday’s results, we’re already planning for next season:

Post-Competition Activities

• February: Reflection sessions and season wrap-up
• March: Recruitment for new teams
• April: Spring Festival and community demonstration
• May: Annual hack-a-thon fundraiser
• Summer: Optional camps and advanced workshops

Skills for Life

The technical skills are just the beginning. Through FIRST LEGO League, our students develop:

• Problem-solving abilities that transfer to any field
• Communication skills through presentations and teamwork
• Resilience by learning from failures and setbacks
• Leadership by taking ownership of projects
• Empathy through community-focused innovation projects

Follow Our Journey

Want to cheer on our teams at regionals? Here’s how to stay connected:

• Live Updates: Follow our Facebook page for real-time posts from competition
• Photo Gallery: Check our website for pictures throughout the day
• Video Highlights: Subscribe to our YouTube channel for post-competition interviews
• Celebration Event: Join us Sunday, January 26 at 2:00 PM for a team celebration (location TBA)

No matter what happens on Saturday, we’re already winners. These students have worked hard, supported each other, and created solutions that could genuinely make our world better. That’s what FIRST is all about.

Go teams! 🤖🏆

Want to support our teams? Consider becoming a sponsor or volunteer with us for next season!