Inspiring the Next Generation: Connecting with Future T3 Students

After a full day of drone-based learning, T3 Alaska wrapped up its visit to Valdez High School by connecting with local middle school students who participate in UAF Science Olympiad—introducing them to what’s possible as they continue into high school.

The after-school session focused on hands-on exploration and creativity. Students were challenged to design and build brush bots, learning the basics of a growth mindset. The activity always turns into a fun exercise in problem-solving, experimentation, and iteration as students tested ideas, made adjustments, and improved their designs.

More importantly, the session served as an introduction to T3 Alaska and the kinds of opportunities available to them in the future. Students got a glimpse of how STEM can be engaging, collaborative, and fun—while also building real-world skills in engineering and design thinking. The energy in the room made one thing clear: there is strong interest and excitement among these younger students.