Polytechnic Academy

PA Cyber Polytechnic aims to make hands-on and project-based learning accessible to all students. They'll solve everyday problems through the lens of an engineer by employing skills in science, technology, mathematics, and more.

Students can discover an exciting new hobby or career goal--or learn that engineering is not just about science and math! They'll learn that engineers are curious, creative, collaborative, and community oriented.

Projects focus on using engineering and the engineering design process to solve problems. Students also learn how engineering processes are readily applicable to everyday decision-making and future professions as well. Past projects have included catapults, spin art machines, small food pantries, bike racks, and sheds. Many of our student-built projects have been donated to support our local Pennsylvania communities.

PA Cyber Polytechnic offers all of these activities and more, with each project targeted toward a specific age range.

INDUSTRY SYNERGISTIC

PA Cyber Polytechnic partners teach workshops and summer camps and host Q&As, helping PA Cyber students prepare for future success in school and beyond. They mentor and support students, develop career awareness, and offer tours of local businesses. Past student-made projects have helped their surrounding communities. Partners include:

• Benjamin Walker: Engineering Through the Prism
• Carnegie Science Center
• Cedar Grove Farm
• Challenge Island
• Daniel Richard Design
• Eden Village
• Engineering for Kids
• HTG Supply Hydroponics
• Liberation Tiny Homes
• National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• Penn State Extension Office of Allegheny County
• Protohaven Makerspace
• Sarah Heinz House
• Boys and Girls Club
• Snapology
• Ten80 Education
• The Bowman Brothers’ Farm
• The Nurdle Patrol
• The STEAM Studio
• SAE International
• Science Explorers

COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS

Our college and university partnerships provide students with critically important STEM learning experiences, up-to-date technical instruction, and mentoring opportunities. They'll gain career exposure and hands-on experiences with various academic leaders; tour campuses; and attend Q&A sessions, workshops, and summer camps. Partners include:

• Auburn University
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Chatham University
• Gannon University
• Geneva College
• Harrisburg University
• Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
• Lehigh University
• Mississippi State University
• Pennsylvania State University, Abington
• Pennsylvania State University, Behrend
• Pennsylvania State University, University Park
• Robert Morris University
• Saint Francis University
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Texas
• Widener University
• Wilkes University
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

THE PA CYBER POLYTECHNIC MOBILE LAB

A collaboration with the Carnegie Science Center, the PA Cyber Polytechnic Mobile Lab allows students to experience the STEM-based maker movement for themselves. It's equipped with 3D printers, laser and vinyl cutters, a ShopBot, and more. This modern fabrication lab is unloaded from the van and quickly set up where it’s needed—at a regional office, Family Link event, classroom, library, or even outside. By putting a lab on wheels, PA Cyber makes high-quality, hands-on learning accessible to all students.

LOOK INSIDE

Imagine taking a design from the computer screen to a robotic fabrication machine! The PA Cyber Polytechnic Mobile Lab makes it a reality. The van is equipped with a hydraulic lift and contains the following items:

• 3D printers
• Laser cutter
• Vinyl cutter
• Portable CNC router
• Computers with design software
• Spheros
• iPads
• Pop-up canopy
• 3D printing pens and filament
• Makey Makey® controllers
• Soldering irons
• Vinyl rolls
• Hands-on making tools
• Laptops
• Vacuum cleaner
• Consumables for equipment
• Tactile-assisted design kit
• Folding tables
• Safety goggles

FAQ