Google Supports STEM Techie Camps to Inspire Students Toward Tech Careers

[Grove City, OH]– With a $50,000 investment and on-the-ground support, Google is helping local students reimagine classic video games—and their own futures in tech.

Middle school students across Ohio give iconic games like Pong, Pac-Man, and Mario Kart a modern twist. Using MakeCode Arcade, students learn fundamental coding and game design concepts by creating their own playable versions of retro games at Techie Camp, hosted at Southwestern Career Academy.

Google’s investment in TECH CORPS supports expanded access to technology programs that equip students with real-world skills and career exposure. As part of this commitment, six Google Data Center professionals visit the camp throughout the week to speak directly with students about the diverse and dynamic careers available in tech.

“We want students to see that a future in technology is within reach—especially when they can connect what they’re learning to real people doing this work every day,” said Amber Tillman, Head of Data Center Public Affairs at Google. “By showing up in person, our team hopes to inspire students to dream big and see themselves in this industry.”

“These students are our future tech leaders,” added Kyle Johnson, a Data Center Technician at Google, who visited the camp earlier this week. “When we pour into them now, we are building a better future in tech.”

“At TECH CORPS, we believe that exposure is everything,” said Lisa M. Chambers, TECH CORPS Chief Executive Officer. “When students have the opportunity to explore technology in meaningful ways—and see people who look like them doing this work—it expands their vision for what’s possible and opens doors to futures they may have never imagined.”

Students participating in TECH CORPS’ Techie Camp gain hands-on experience in logic, storytelling, design, and coding. They’ll walk away with playable games, a stronger understanding of tech career pathways, and the confidence to pursue them.

Educational research underscores the power of mentorship in tech education, especially during the middle school years. According to a study published in the Journal of Research on Technology in Education, middle school students who participated in mentored computer science programs reported increased confidence, engagement, and sustained interest in tech. These early, real-world connections not only spark curiosity but also help students see themselves in future STEM careers.