Techie Lab
Partnering with Arizona schools to deliver hands-on technology education since 1998.
Techie Labs bring CompTIA-aligned curriculum directly into classrooms, giving students real hardware experience and the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications — and take home a computer they built themselves.
45+
Partner Schools
across Arizona
1998
Founded
over 25 years serving students
K–12+
Grade Range
middle school through college
2
Certification Tracks
CompTIA A+ and Tech+
How Techie Lab Works
A structured, school-year partnership that takes students from zero experience to certification-ready — with hardware they take home at the end.
Step 1: Partner Up
Schools and organizations connect with AZ StRUT to establish a Techie Lab partnership. The program is designed to complement existing STEM curriculum and fits into a standard school year schedule.
Step 2: Build & Learn
Students work hands-on with real computer hardware provided by AZ StRUT. They identify components, perform maintenance procedures, and learn networking and security concepts aligned to CompTIA certification objectives.
Step 3: Take It Home
At the end of the program, students keep the refurbished computer they built. This ensures the learning continues beyond the classroom and helps bridge the digital divide for students who may not have a device at home.
Certification Tracks
Techie Lab offers two CompTIA-aligned tracks depending on the age and experience level of your students. Both tracks include hardware provided by AZ StRUT.
CompTIA A+
Best for: High school students and community college participants
CompTIA A+ is the industry’s leading entry-level IT certification, covering hardware, operating systems, networking, security, and troubleshooting. Students who complete this track are prepared to pursue the certification exam and entry-level IT employment.
CompTIA Tech+
Best for: Middle school students and community organizations
CompTIA Tech+ (formerly IT Fundamentals) is an entry-point certification designed for students who are newer to technology. It covers foundational concepts in hardware, software, and digital literacy — a perfect on-ramp for younger learners.
Current Partner Schools & Organizations
CompTIA A+ Partners
| School / Organization | Since |
|---|---|
| Red Mountain High School | 1998 |
| Mesa High School | 1998 |
| East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) | 1998 |
| Metro Tech High School | 1999 |
| Mountain View High School | 2002 |
| Westwood High School | 2002 |
| Mesa Community College | 2002 |
| Maricopa High School | 2010 |
| Dobson High School | 2014 |
| Eduprize High School | 2021 |
| Cactus High School | 2021 |
| ALA Applied Technologies High School | 2022 |
| Eastmark High School | 2022 |
| South Mountain Community College | 2022 |
| Hope Academy High School | 2023 |
CompTIA Tech+ Partners
| School / Organization | Since |
|---|---|
| FOCUS Employment Services at AZ StRUT | 2010 |
| Desert Sands Middle School | 2018 |
| Marc T. Atkinson Middle School | 2018 |
| Raul H. Castro Middle School | 2018 |
| 16 Cartwright Elementary Schools | 2018 |
| Fresh Start Women’s Foundation | 2018 |
| Carson Junior High School | 2022 |
| Smith Junior High School | 2022 |
| Summit Junior High School | 2022 |
| Maricopa Wells Middle School | 2023 |
| Justine Spitalny STEAM School | 2023 |
Grant Funding: Funding may be available for Title 1 schools and qualifying community organizations. Contact Matt to learn more.
Student Outcomes
Techie Lab is designed to produce lasting, measurable results — for students, schools, and communities.
A Device to Keep
Every student who completes a Techie Lab program takes home a refurbished computer. For many students, this is their first personal device — removing a major barrier to digital participation and continued learning.
Certification Readiness
Students complete coursework aligned to CompTIA A+ or Tech+ objectives, preparing them to pursue industry-recognized certifications that carry real value with employers and higher education institutions.
Career Pathways
IT skills are in high demand across every industry. Techie Lab gives students a meaningful head start — whether they go on to pursue IT careers, technical college programs, or simply become more capable and confident technology users.
