Middle School Programs
At no cost to participants, our middle school programs are designed to introduce our youngest participants to art and technology concepts, with intention to hopefully spark an interest in STEAM that will last a lifetime.
Youth must be in grades 6–8 to be eligible for participation in CHICAT Middle School Programs.
Learn more about our current programs and apply below!
Fall 2026 Middle School Programs
Robotics
Robotics
Discover the exciting world of robotics! Participants will use hands-on robotics kits to build simple, functional machines from the ground up. Along the way, they’ll learn to write simple code that controls digital interfaces, bringing their creations to life with lights, sensors, and motors. Learn programming and electronic engineering concepts in a series of fun, beginner-friendly workshops to build interactive projects. By the end of the program, participants will walk away with new problem-solving skills and a robotics project they built and programmed themselves!
Skills
- Electronic engineering using Arduino robotics kits
- Programming basics through learning C++
- Software tools including TouchDesigner
Animation & Comics
Animation & Comics
In Animation & Comics, middle schoolers will learn the fundamentals of storytelling, from developing original characters to crafting compelling plots panel by panel. In the comics track, participants will practice sketching, paneling, and lettering techniques to bring their stories to the page. On the animation side, they will explore the basics of frame-by-frame animation and stop-motion techniques to make their characters move. They’ll also get hands-on experience with digital drawing tools and beginner-friendly animation software to polish their work. Upon program completion, our middle schoolers will have created their own short comic or animated clip, along with a toolkit of artistic and technical skills to keep creating!
Skills
- 2D animation using Procreate
- Digital drawing & painting using Procreate
- Character design
- Story-boarding & concept planning
Creative Coding
Creative Coding
Creative Coding is a beginner-friendly program that teaches youth how to create interactive and generative digital artwork including mini games and animated graphics! Using browser-based tools, participants learn how to create a variety of digital projects while gaining a basic understanding of coding language structures and digital interfaces. Core computer skills like typing and keyboard shortcuts are covered to build a sturdy foundation in computer knowledge before moving onto workshops that incorporate coding concepts, programming logic, and UI/UX design principles.
Skills
- JavaScript
- Game design
- UI/UX design
- Computer fundamentals
3D Design Studio
3D Design Studio
Using Blender, participants will learn how to design and model their own 3D objects, toys, accessories, and trinkets. Students will explore shape, scale, proportion, and form while developing digital designs that can be turned into physical objects through 3D printing. They will learn how to prepare and slice their models in Bambu Studio, considering factors like size, orientation, and supports to create successful prints. Students will also use Blender to add materials, lighting, and cameras to create polished 3D renderings of their designs.
Skills
- 3D modeling & rendering using Blender
- 3D printing using Bambu Studio
- Computer fundamentals
- Digital design
Fall 2026 programs are now open for enrollment!
Begin your middle school application here:
Fall 2026
Middle School Programs Schedule
October 10th–December 5th
Saturdays
10:00am–1:00pm
3D Design Studio
Use Blender and Tinkercad to design + print your own 3D creations!
Robotics
Explore robotics and build interactive
art projects using TouchDesigner with
LEDs, sensors, and controllers!
Creative Coding
Learn how to use JavaScript to create mini games, animated graphics, interactive artwork, and more!
Animation & Comics
Tell your story! Use 2D digital painting program Procreate to create hand-drawn animations and comics.
CHICAT is committed to the inclusion of all people. This includes accommodating students with disabilities. If you require accommodations in order to participate in our programs, please send a request to info@chicat.org.