B.R. Ryall YMCA offering new technology workshop series

The B.R. Ryall YMCA in Glen Ellyn will be bringing out the scientists in kids in a technology workshop series.

The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)-based workshops will focus on fun activities such as robotics and designing and building with a 3D printer.

The first workshop, to be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 13 at the YMCA, will give kids the chance to build a TV remote.

The new YMCA program, dubbed Techie Werks, promises hands-on learning.

"So every time they come, they're going to build something and have something to take home with them," Marketing Director Jaime Johnson said.

Although the details of the entire program have not been completely ironed out, kids ages 9 and older could have registered by Dec. 9 for Saturday's workshop, which costs $29 to attend. Financial scholarships will be available for the program, Interim Chief Executive Officer John Snyder said, and the YMCA expects to make the series a permanent, ongoing program.

"We're really looking to expand our youth programming," Johnson said. "The (YMCA) focuses on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. So this would fall under our youth development. And youth development is more than just sports. It's sports, it's education, it's really all encompassing."

Although the tech workshops are being marketed to kids, adults are welcome to attend, Johnson said.

For the new initiative, B.R. Ryall YMCA is partnering with Glenbard High School District 87, Glen Ellyn-based Workshop 88 and ChiBots.

"The (STEM-related) subjects are a very, very important educational and learning component of a young person's growing up and learning and education because our society has become much more engineering and math and technology oriented," Snyder said.