SteamRocket Launches Summer Programming Classes for Coachella Valley Youth

A four-week intensive program introduces young programmers to TypeScript development and electrical engineering fundamentals.

SteamRocket, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making STEAM education accessible to children throughout the Coachella Valley, announces the launch of its comprehensive July programming series. The four-week program will introduce youth ages 12 and up to programming concepts and hardware design skills that are increasingly essential in today's technology-driven world.

The series includes four distinct one-week courses:

• TypeScript I (Intro) – July 7-11

• TypeScript II (Advanced) – July 14-18

• Web Design with TypeScript – July 21-25

• Hardware Design with KiCad – July 28-August 1

All classes will be held Monday through Friday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at RAP Foundation in Palm Desert. Each individual week-long course is priced at $375 and includes lifetime access to SteamRocket's exclusive Tech Nexus community forum, where students can continue learning, ask questions, and collaborate on projects long after the classes end.

SteamRocket will provide devices for students to use during class, though participants are welcome to bring their own laptop, Chromebook, or tablet with keyboard.

The program will be led by SteamRocket co-founder Justin Decker, a programmer with nearly three decades of experience who operates uFire, an original equipment manufacturing company specializing in sensor technology. Decker also leads SteamRocket's popular Minecraft Coding Club and LEGO Robotics Clubs, earning recognition for his ability to make complex programming concepts accessible to young learners.

"These aren't just programming languages, they're the building blocks of the digital world our kids will inherit," said Decker. "They're developing the logical thinking skills that will help them solve real-world problems. We have kids under ten building interactive websites that showcase their passions, and teens creating hardware prototypes that could genuinely help their communities."

Decker emphasized the practical applications of the skills students will develop: "By the end of our hardware design course, students will know how to design their own circuit boards. These are the same tools professional engineers use every day."

The TypeScript courses build progressively, starting with fundamental programming concepts and advancing to sophisticated web application development. The hardware design component introduces students to KiCad, industry-standard software used by professional engineers to create everything from smartphone components to satellite systems.

"What excites me most is watching that moment when everything clicks," Decker noted. "Suddenly they realize they can build anything they can imagine, whether it's a website for their band, an app to help organize their school club, or even a prototype their own invention."

SteamRocket's mission focuses on eliminating barriers to STEAM education in the Coachella Valley, where access to advanced technology programming can be limited. The organization has served hundreds of local students through various programs designed to build both technical skills and confidence in problem-solving.

Registration for the July series is now open. Students may enroll in individual courses or the complete series. Each participant receives ongoing support through the Tech Nexus forum, creating a lasting community of young programmers and engineers.

Registration Information

• Where: RAP Foundation, 41550 Eclectic Street, Palm Desert, CA 92260

• When: July 7 - August 1, 2025 (four one-week sessions)

• Time: Monday-Friday, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

• Cost: $375 per week-long course

• Ages: 12 and up

• Includes: Lifetime access to Tech Nexus community forum

• Equipment: Devices provided, or bring your own laptop, Chromebook, or tablet with keyboard

For registration and more information, contact Crystal at crystal@SteamRocket.co or visit bit.ly/steamrocketclasses.

Media Contact: Crystal Arellano crystal@steamrocket.co

SteamRocket is a nonprofit organization based in the Coachella Valley dedicated to making Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics education accessible to all children. Through hands-on programming, robotics, and engineering programs, SteamRocket empowers young learners to become the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.