Our Mission

We empower under-resourced youth in the Washington, DC area through technology and art education to promote equity and help students reach their full potential.

About

Since 2018, Tech Turn Up has been offering free and low-cost STEAM programs to under-resourced youth across the Washington, DC area. We provide a variety of year-round programming that offers engaging opportunities for students to explore the intersection of technology, art, and cultural diversity. 

Tech Turn Up is committed to empowering students by expanding their knowledge and fostering personal growth through innovative educational experiences. We aim to equip students with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in the modern world.

Our Story

What Tim Weeden thought would be a good opportunity didn't go as planned. He was responsible for supporting a group of 20 under-resourced students living in Washington, DC learn how to code.             

He enrolled students in a coding class. However, he realized the coding class was way over their heads within the second week. The teacher's lack of support toward the students had negatively impacted their learning - the students were unable to complete the course.

It’s natural to fail; however, the difference between failure and success is how you deal with it. After work, Tim decided to take coding classes and attend Saturday tech boot camps. His goal was to provide our students with basic coding skills.

After completing his mission with his former students, it was time to offer this opportunity to other student groups that struggle with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) and need support, positive interaction, and exchange of learning information. Tim is now eager to continue to grow Tech Turn Up and offer this opportunity to other student groups facing similar challenges.

Our Values

  • Innovation

    Designing unique programming that empowers students to develop value-add skills to meet the real-world challenges of today and tomorrow through exploration, invention, and empathy.

  • Engaging

    Developing creative curricular programming that increases student engagement through STEAM skill-building.

  • Equity-minded

    Fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment through a culturally responsive curriculum that builds collaboration and mutual respect among students and instructors.

  • Student-centered

    Focusing on student strengths and diversity and ensuring that everyone participates, feels valued, and is included in the learning process.