The Tech Challenge announces new presenting sponsor Zoom Video Communications

One of the oldest youth STEM programs in the country increases accessibility and learning with virtual shift

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Jan 26, 2021, 15:18 ET

SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tech Challenge is proud to announce new presenting sponsor, Zoom Video Communications. For more than 30 years, The Tech Interactive's engineering program has helped thousands of young innovators develop their 21st century skills. The Tech Challenge has pivoted to an entirely virtual format this year.

Registration is open for Ultimate Upcycle, presented by Zoom Video Communications. The youth engineering program is a signature program of science center The Tech Interactive challenges teams to solve a real world problem. This year, students will build a useful item out of cardboard and transform it into something new and present their solution at a virtual showcase April 24 and 25. (Picture Pre-COVID.)

The Tech Challenge invites teams of students in Grades 4 through 12 to use engineering design skills to solve a real-world problem. They learn creativity, teamwork and perseverance in the process. This year's project, Ultimate Upcycle, is designed to meet the challenges of living and working during a pandemic, with a focus on sustainability. Teams will assemble a useful item out of cardboard that transforms into something new. Participants also create team journals and prototypes before showing off their solutions at a virtual showcase April 24 and 25.

"For decades The Tech Challenge has inspired bright young minds to solve unique problems, and this year is no different. We are thrilled that our virtual environment has allowed the program to thrive in a physically-distant world," said Roxana Shirkhoda, Head of Social Impact at Zoom. "We can't wait to see what the students come up with!"

The program moved its final events to a virtual format when the pandemic began last year, leveraging an online showcase, awards ceremony, and newly released tools for remote learning. For more information, visit The Tech Challenge website. Registrations accepted through March 31st.

About The Tech Interactive
The Tech Interactive is a family-friendly science and technology center in the heart of downtown San Jose, CA. Our hands-on activities, experimental labs and design challenge experiences empower people to innovate with creativity, curiosity and compassion. The Tech is a world leader in the creation of immersive STEAM education resources to develop the next generation of problem-solvers locally, nationally and globally. We believe that everyone is born an innovator who can change the world for the better. thetech.org

SOURCE The Tech Interactive