Des Moines, Iowa – Tech Journey has received a 2022 grant award from Variety – the Children’s Charity to fund equipment and furnishings for a robotics and maker workroom for students.

Tech Journey is a nonprofit organization inspiring central Iowa youth to increase their knowledge and interest in technology by providing engaging learning opportunities. Known for its annual Tech Camp program for high school students, Tech Journey serves approximately 240 students each year through its out-of-school tech-focused programs. Most students participating in Tech Journey programs are middle or high school youth who are underserved or underrepresented in the tech community.

The Variety grant will be used to prepare and outfit a workroom for delivering robotics and related activities. Tech Journey leases two rooms within the historic Franklin Junior High Event Center in Des Moines. The other room has been used for coding activities since Tech Journey moved into the space in late 2021.

“The Variety grant award enables us to take the next step of implementing our vision for central Iowa youth. Having a workroom where students have tools and equipment available to explore robotics, electronics and other making activities is imperative for them to learn and expand their tech skills,” says Tim Sieber, Executive Director for Tech Journey. “We want to provide opportunities that students may not otherwise have access to and Variety’s grant helps us move in that direction.”

About Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa

Variety – the Children’s Charity is dedicated to improving the lives of children who are underprivileged, at-risk, critically ill or living with spcial needs. Grant funding is provided to programs and initiatives that directly impact the well-being of children in our community. For more information on Variety grants and programs, please visit varietyiowa.com.