Real Technical Work, Not One More Activity
Too many after-school programs offer STEM activities. Your students deserve real technical work. Latimer Energy Academy helps you make that happen. Students build sensor rigs and prototypes using actual tools and real data. They test their builds, collect results, and explain what worked or didn't. That's work they can point to and be proud of. It's rigorous, but it feels real because it is real.
Real hardware
Students build working sensor rigs and microcontroller prototypes — not simulations.
Documented results
Every project ends with a technical briefing, poster, or data report.
Standards-aligned
NGSS and CCSS Math alignment documentation with integrated computing practice reference guides included with every project.
See your state’s local energy education data — choose your state to personalize this page.
Who This Is For
Clubs, libraries, community centers, faith-based youth groups, nonprofits, summer programs, and homeschool co-ops. If you work with young people outside traditional school settings, Latimer Energy Academy is designed for you. You don’t need a science degree. You need adults who are curious and confident enough to lead the session. We provide the structure and support to make that happen.
- After-School Programs
- Community Centers
- Faith-Based Youth Groups
- STEM Clubs
- Public Libraries
- Summer Programs
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Homeschool Co-ops
Why It Works in Community Settings
Community programs face unique challenges: mixed ages, varied backgrounds, limited session time, and the need to keep students coming back voluntarily. LEA is designed for exactly that reality.
Visible deliverables, not just engagement.
Students produce data posters, technical briefings, and working prototypes. When participants can point to what they built and explain what it does, that builds program credibility with families and funders.
Small teams can run it well.
One coordinator can manage multiple sessions. Projects are structured so adults lead the learning — they don't have to be the technical expert. LEA provides the guidance and support that makes it work.
Substantive work without technical expertise.
You do not need to arrive as an engineer. LEA is designed so adults can lead with confidence while students work through the real technical parts with built-in guidance and video support.
Retention that builds on itself.
Students return because the work feels rigorous and meaningful—they can see their own progress. When one project ends, the next one builds on what they learned, not starting from zero.
What Participants Do
Every mission follows the same pattern. Students don’t watch. They build.
Build real prototypes
Students assemble working sensor rigs using real components like microcontrollers (pocket computers) and electronic sensors.
Collect and analyze data
They gather measurements from their own experiments and from real-world energy systems.
Explain their findings
They create technical briefings, posters, or presentations that document what they learned.
Iterate and improve
They test their prototype, identify what didn’t work, and redesign for the next attempt.
See the career connection
They learn where this technical work shows up in actual jobs and careers.
What Leaders Need to Run It
One coordinator account runs everything. Students join each session through a private, adult-controlled process that requires no accounts and collects no personal information. Sessions run 50 minutes per mission, once a week, or in weekend or summer intensive blocks. Your program, your pacing.
Your Account
One coordinator controls everything - all missions, guides, and setup. Invite facilitators to help run sessions together.
Hardware & Materials
We provide complete material lists and sourcing guides. Microcontrollers and sensors are affordable. Real tools that work.
Session Flow
Students join each session through a quick, private entry process under adult control — no accounts needed. Each mission runs 50 minutes, once a week, or intensive blocks work too. You control the pacing and setup timing.
Privacy Built In
No student accounts. No PII. Sessions run with temporary codes and nicknames only. Privacy protected by design.
Funding and Access
Community programs access Latimer Energy Academy through flexible pathways. Whether your program purchases directly or partners with a funder, cost is not the barrier to learning.
Direct Purchase
Community programs purchase access directly at nonprofit and community organization rates. Your program owns the account and runs everything on your schedule.
Sponsor Partnership
Local utilities, businesses, or community foundations sponsor access in partnership with your program. We provide impact reporting for sponsors and help you build the case for community investment in youth technical skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do participants need prior experience?
What equipment do we need?
How long is each lesson (mission)?
Can we run groups with mixed ages?
How is student privacy handled?
What standards do these missions meet?
Can our program run Latimer Energy Academy independently?
Turn Your Program Into Real Technical Work
No more activities without real outcomes. Help your students build something meaningful they can show, explain, and build on.
See how LEA works in your state
Choose your state to explore your local energy landscape and find courses that build the skills students need for energy careers.