FAQs

Youth Technology Academy

Where are YTA classes offered?

• YTA classes can be offered at the home high school during the school day, embedded in the daily curriculum, after school as a club, and on the Metropolitan Campus of Cuyahoga Community College. YTA customized technology offerings according to the needs and requests of our partner schools.

Is the Youth Technology Academy free to me and my child?

• All students that are enrolled in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) are eligible to take college credit classes free of charge. Funding opportunities are available for students outside of CMSD.

Is transportation provided?

• Yes, all students who are enrolled in a college credit course can receive a student ID and with an RTA U-Pass attached. It is valid 24 hours, seven days per week throughout the duration of the semester. Bus passes are available on a limited basis, when needed.

Is there a grade point average (GPA) requirement to join the Youth Technology Academy?

• No, there isn't a GPA requirement. If a student is passing their classes, they can participate in our program.

Do the Youth Technology Academy courses transfer to a four-year university or college?

• Yes, our classes transfer to most universities/colleges. It depends on your major as to whether they will count as core classes or electives.

What are the advantages of YTA classes?

• Some of our classes cover the cost of prerequisites and electives.
• Taking YTA classes gives students college credit while in high school. But the benefits are so much more than that! Students get a safe introduction to college-level work and is de-mystified. Students have state of the art technology placed in their hands and they work on projects while learning real-world technical skills that they can be listed on their resumes. Additionally, YTA offers opportunities to work with leading industry mentors, internships and team participation, meeting other kids and forming lasting friendships bonding over robots, drones, and other tech innovations.

What if I don't have a computer, can I participate in this program?

• Yes, either your school will provide you with a computer or YTA will provide you with a computer for class participation.

Why do I need to supply my social security number?

• Tri-C is required to collect social security numbers for credit earning students to comply with federal and state requirements. Once you have been admitted as a student, a Tri-C ID number will be generated. This ID will be used to register for classes.

Is my information secured?

• Your data is encrypted before it is transmitted using secure socket layers (SSL) encryption technology. However, to guarantee the security of your application data, it is equally important that you protect the confidentiality of your login ID and password. Anyone with access to this information can access your application file.

Do you have to score a specific score on the Tri-C ALEKS test?

• No requisite score must be attained. However, all new students must be assessed. The Youth Technology Academy falls under an Innovative Program Waiver granted to the College by the State of Ohio Department of Education, which requires testing but no specific score.

Can homeschool students participate in the Youth Technology Academy?

• Yes, homeschool students can participate, they would have to come to Tri-C's Metro Campus and take classes afterschool on Wednesdays or take a virtual class, when available.

Who do I contact if I have questions about the Youth Technology Academy?

• Contact Tracie Haynie: Public School Coordinator at (216) 987-4330 or Daijah Smith Non-Public School Coordinator at (216) 987-0151 

Robotics Team

How do I join the robotics team?

• Complete an application
• Show up for an interview

What qualifies a student to travel?

• Students have to be enrolled in a YTA course
• Have a good academic standing in their high school
• Participate in weekly team meetings/activities
• Have completed permission slips
• Be in good standing according to the team code of conduct

Is there an out-of-pocket expense for parents who have students travelling?

• No, all expenses are paid through the Youth Technology Academy. Each student will receive a daily stipend. However, feel free to send extra funds for your child(ren).