TechTigers

All Youth Programs

Individuals seated at a workbench assembling computer motherboards with tools and components, including boxes and screwdrivers, in a technology lab setting.

What:

A five-day summer program introducing middle school students to STEM

Who:

Deaf and hard-of-hearing students entering grades 7, 8, and 9 in fall 2026

When:

July 25-29, 2026

Where:

RIT/NTID Campus in Rochester, N.Y.

Cost:

$900 – includes housing, meals, activities, supplies, and more!

Deadline:

Apply by May 30, 2026

Jumpstart Your Future in STEM with TechTigers!

Spend a week this summer diving into chemistry, engineering, computers, and more on the RIT/NTID campus! TechTigers is designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing students entering 7th to 9th grade who are ready to explore, experiment, and make new friends. You’ll work with high-tech lab equipment, solve real-world problems, and meet others who share your passion for STEM. Live in RIT residence halls, enjoy hands-on activities, and take part in classes taught in both English and sign language. Limited financial assistance is available, so there’s nothing holding you back from discovering your future career path!

Logo for Motorola Solutions Foundation

TechTigers is funded in part by the Motorola Solutions Foundation.

The Experience

At TechTigers, your week will be filled with discovery, creativity, and hands-on STEM adventures!

Our RIT/NTID Youth Programs team knows how to make learning exciting. We’ve designed TechTigers to ignite your curiosity, give you real experience in STEM, and challenge you. 

A teacher instructing a student on computer hardware assembly in a classroom with other students working on computers in the background.

Each day, you’ll join other deaf and hard-of-hearing students for hands-on activities in chemistry, math, engineering, and science. You’ll:

  • Build your own high-tech gadget
  • Learn the basics of web design
  • Conduct experiments in a state-of-the-art lab
  • Discover the types of STEM careers that may be right for you
Three students kneeling on the floor, collaborating on a large piece of cardboard during a group activity. They are dressed in casual clothing including an orange shirt, green sweatshirt, and camouflage hoodie.

Work in small, close-knit lab teams guided by experienced instructors and mentors who encourage you, answer your questions, and help you explore new ideas. You’ll spend your days learning by doing while building teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity skills.

After the day’s workshops,
the night gets better!
A group of ten people wearing orange and black 'TECH Tigers' t-shirts posing together in a bowling alley.

Late afternoons and evenings are all about connection and adventure. You will:

  • Socialize and play games with fellow TechTigers
  • Enjoy indoor and outdoor recreation
  • Get a taste of college life at RIT/NTID
Three individuals in black 'TECH Tigers' t-shirts standing outdoors among trees and flowers, holding a stack of pancakes, a wand, and a doll.

All activities are supervised to ensure a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where you can relax, thrive, and make lasting friendships.

By the end of the week, you’ll reflect on everything you learned, celebrate your accomplishments with friends and family, and leave inspired about your future in STEM. 
Plus, you’ll stay in RIT residence halls, eat in campus dining facilities, and experience life as a college student, giving you a head start on your next big adventure.

Why Attend Tech Tigers?

TechTigers gives middle school students more than just an experience—it helps them build a strong foundation for their future in STEM. By attending, students will:

Gain early exposure to STEM fields through hands-on activities in chemistry, engineering, computers, and math.

Discover career interests by trying out different labs and experiments that spark curiosity about the future.

Build confidence and skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity while working alongside peers.

Experience college life by staying in RIT residence halls, dining on campus, and learning in real college labs.

Form lasting friendships and networks with other deaf and hard-of-hearing students who share their interest in STEM.

Learn in an inclusive environment where classes are taught in both English and sign language, ensuring full participation.

TechTigers isn’t just about learning. More importantly, it’s about inspiring the next generation of innovators and giving them the tools and experiences to dream big.

Frequently Asked Questions

Deaf and hard-of-hearing students entering grades 7-9 in the upcoming fall who are in good academic standing. An application, report card, and an audiogram are required.

You’ll explore technology through hands-on workshops, building projects, computer learning, and group activities.

The fee is $900, covering housing, meals, and all program activities. Transportation to campus and personal spending money are not included.

We encourage you to work with your state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies on financial assistance for this program. Limited scholarships may be offered based on financial need if VR assistance is unavailable.

Students live in RIT residence halls and eat meals in campus dining facilities.

Clothing, toiletries, bedding, and towels.

Applicants will be notified by email with acceptance details and instructions for submitting forms and payment.

Apply Now!


Apply

to our program on the website.


Submit

your audiogram and report card.


Deposit

Once you receive the acceptance letter, make a non-refundable $150 deposit to secure your spot.


Complete

all required forms.


Pay

Make the full payment ($750 toward the total program fee of $900).


Congratulations!

You are officially registered!

Before you apply

Please check to see if you meet the eligibility criteria below:

  • You are entering 7th, 8th or 9th grade in Fall 2026.
  • You are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
  • You have NOT previously attended a TechTigers program (or the former TechGirlz/TechBoyz programs).

Application Process

Complete the online application and submit the following items:

  • An official copy of your high school transcript from 9th grade to the present
  • A copy of your unaided audiogram (results without hearing aid or cochlear implant)

After you apply, you need to submit these required items to our team. Acceptance into the program is contingent on you submitting the required information. The deadline to apply is May 30, 2026.

Payment

The program fee for TechTigers is $900. Once your application is accepted, a non-refundable $150 deposit (applied towards the $900 fee) is required to secure your spot in the program.

Pay Online

Required Forms

Once all documents are received, reviewed, and approved, complete forms below and submit them to us to complete your registration.

TechTigers@rit.edu

NTID TechTigers Program
Rochester Institute of Technology
52 Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, New York 14623

Contact Us

TechTigers
Rochester Institute of Technology
National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Lyndon Baines Johnson Building
52 Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, New York 14623-5604

585-286-4555 (videophone)
585-362-2185 (text/FaceTime)
1-866-644-6843 (toll-free in the U.S. and Canada)

You can contact us by email at TechTigers@rit.edu.