K-12 Programs
FALL AND SPRING 2026 PROGRAMMING
Select registration is open for 2026. Summer program registration is open.
Meeting Location
Virginia Tech Academic Building One
3625 Potomac Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22305
Virginia Tech STEM Discovery Fair
Date: February 21
Times: 10:00am to 2:00pm
Location: Virginia Tech Academic Building One
Grade Range: K-12
Join us for the third annual Virginia Tech STEM Discovery Fair at Virginia Tech Academic Building One! This exciting event is packed with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities designed just for K-12 students, sparking creativity and curiosity as they explore groundbreaking projects in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Discover the fun and adventure of STEM as you dive into a world of innovation and learning!
Contact us for more information at k12initiatives@vt.edu.
College Readiness and Research
Date: March 9
Times: 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Location: Zoom
The College Readiness and Research Program (CR&R), funded by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, aims to help first-generation students prepare for college. By increasing college enrollment among low-income individuals, veterans, and first-generation students, the program seeks to break down educational barriers and spark interest in STEM fields. With support from the Mentorship & Academic Outreach Programs (MAOP) undergraduate team and VT College Access Collaborative, CR&R hosts two hybrid sessions annually, offering interactive discussions and expert panels on topics like career pathways and financial aid, providing mentorship and guidance beyond traditional school resources.
Contact us for more information at k12initiatives@vt.edu.
STEM Xplorers Field Trip
Dates: The following Wednesdays:
- January 28
- February 4
- February 11
- February 18
- February 25
- March 4
- March 18
- March 25
- April 8
- April 15
- April 22
- April 29
- May 6
Times: 9:30am to 12:30pm
Location: Virginia Tech Academic Building One
This opportunity is for classes, schools, and teachers. Embark on a thrilling School STEM XPlorers Field Trip to Virginia Tech's Academic Building One K-12 Innovation Lab. Experience interactive exhibits and hands-on STEM activities that inspire and engage students. Secure your spot today for an unforgettable educational adventure!
Contact us for more information at k12initiatives@vt.edu.
U.S. Drone Soccer [closed]
Registration re-opens Spring 2026.
Dates: The following Saturdays:
- January 24
- February 7
- February 28
- March 7
Times: 9:00am to 1:00pm
Location: Virginia Tech Academic Building One
Grade Range: 6 - 12
The U.S. Drone Soccer League is an innovative program designed to engage middle and high school students in Esports and gaming, preparing them for future STEM careers in aviation and engineering. In collaboration with local organizations, this program introduces students to unmanned aircraft systems, teaching them to build, test, and fly drones in a competitive 5 versus 5 aviation-based format. Through this hands-on experience, students gain valuable insights into the engineering principles and physics of flight, equipping them with the skills necessary for high-demand technical fields.
Contact us for more information at k12initiatives@vt.edu.
Hokie Half Days [closed]
Registration re-opens in Spring 2026.
Dates:
- February 16
- April 6
Location: Virginia Tech Academic Building One
Grade Range: 9 - 12
High school students from the Alexandria Public School system are invited to register for a dynamic series of four half-day sessions, where they'll engage in hands-on, inquiry-based learning using Databot technology. Guided by the K-12 initiatives team, students will design hypotheses, develop protocols, conduct experiments, and analyze data, ultimately presenting their research findings to family and peers. This program fosters critical thinking and scientific exploration, empowering students to draw meaningful conclusions from their innovative projects.
Contact us for more information at k12initiatives@vt.edu.