Open Sauce 2026
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Hands-on Tech Education for Curious Minds
Tech Rockstar Academy is a nonprofit in Monrovia, California dedicated to fun, structured learning in coding, IT, and robotics. We meet students where they are and help them build real things from day one.
Replacing Passive Learning with Hands-on Creation
We provide engaging STEM programs that emphasize experimentation, real-world problem solving, and building things that actually work.
Accessible Learning
Programs designed for all ages and experience levels, welcoming beginners and advanced learners alike.
Learning by Building
Students explore technology through physical builds, coding challenges, and collaborative projects.
Real-World Skills
Problem-solving, teamwork, ethics, and confidence through scenarios inspired by real technology environments.
TRA Crash & Go Bots
Robotics, coding, and friendly competition. Students build wrestling robots and tune them through code and a web app.
Program Overview
Participants assemble robots from 3D-printed parts and readily available electronics. They control their robot through a one-button web interface and compete in custom-built arenas.
View Game Mechanics
- Tap to spin
- Hold to charge forward
- Push opponents out of the arena to win
Learning Outcomes
- Introductory electronics and soldering
- Programming with Arduino and ESP32
- Web-based hardware control
- Debugging and iteration
- Collaboration and ethical technology use
Crash & Go Bots — The Video Game
A two-player browser game built by our students in Scratch. Battle as the green or pink bot — first to push the other into a yellow cone wins. No install, no sign-up. Just press the button and play.
Introducing ZTLP
Zero Trust Layer Protocol
ZTLP is a secure, identity-first network overlay created by TRA founder Steven Price. It enforces cryptographic authentication before any network state is allocated — making unauthorized traffic cheap to reject and legitimate connectivity private by default.
ZTLP is a trademark of Tech Rockstar Academy and is published as an open, experimental RFC. No open ports. No unauthenticated access. No attack surface.
Identity Before State
No network state is allocated until a peer proves its cryptographic identity. Unauthorized packets are dropped before any CPU or memory is spent.
3-Layer Rejection Pipeline
Magic byte check → SessionID allowlist → AEAD verification. Flood traffic is discarded at L1 in 19ns — before any session or crypto work begins.
Hardware-Backed Identity
Nodes are identified by cryptographic keys bound to hardware — YubiKey, TPM 2.0, or Secure Enclave. Identity cannot be spoofed or cloned.
No Open Ports
Services are invisible to unenrolled nodes. Port scanners return nothing. If you don't have a valid identity, the network doesn't exist to you.
Runs Over Existing Infrastructure
ZTLP rides over IPv4 and IPv6 today — no router changes, no BGP modifications. Deploy it now, over the Internet you already have.
Open Specification
Published as an experimental RFC with 2,526+ tests across 5 languages. Free to implement, deploy, and build on. No vendor lock-in.
Projects at Tech Rockstar Academy
From robotics competitions to open protocols — here's a look at what our team and students are working on.
Crash & Go Bots
Students build 3D-printed sumo-style wrestling robots controlled via ESP32 and a one-button web interface. The go-to intro to hardware, firmware, and competition.
ZTLP
Zero Trust Layer Protocol — an open, identity-first network overlay that enforces cryptographic authentication before any network state is allocated. No open ports. No attack surface. A Draft RFC and trademark of TRA.
ztlp.org →Web Dev Bootcamp
A hands-on introduction to HTML, CSS, and JavaScript guided by ZTLP principles. Students leave with a real, deployed project — not a tutorial clone.
Electronics & Soldering Lab
Introductory electronics with hands-on soldering, circuit building, and sensor integration. No experience needed — just curiosity and safety glasses.
AI for Makers
Workshops exploring practical AI tools — from using LLMs to assist with code to building simple machine learning demos students can show off at events.
Maker Faire Exhibits
TRA participates in Maker Faire events — bringing our robots, demos, and ZTLP framework to the maker community. Next up: Maker Faire Orange County, Sept 12 & 13, 2026 at the OC Fair & Event Center.
See the announcement →What We Offer
Hands-on programs for students of all ages and skill levels — from robotics to game development.
Formula 3D
Learn the fundamentals of 3D printing through engineering a high-speed racing application. Design, print, and race your own Formula 3D car.
📅 Ongoing ProgramAutonomous Robot Racing for Everyone
A 3-week journey introducing young engineers to EVs and self-driving vehicles. Build, code, and compete with autonomous robots.
⏱️ 3-Week ProgramGame Development Program
A 3-week curriculum focused on game design and development. Students build playable games from scratch using real engines and tools.
⏱️ 3-Week ProgramOutschool Remote Classes
A series of educational sessions conducted remotely. Flexible learning from home with certified instructors and hands-on projects.
🌐 OnlineVirtual Robot Race
A remote, live-streamed racing event where participants submit code to compete. No onsite visit required — race from anywhere!
📺 Live StreamedComputer Mouse Game Day
A hands-on game day event focused on computer fundamentals, creativity, and mouse-controlled games for all skill levels.
Robot Racing Online
Remote racing tournament where participants compete with their robot code against others over the internet. Stay tuned for sign-ups!
Tech Rockstar Academy in Action
See our programs come to life — from robot builds to classroom moments and competition highlights.
We're Going to Maker Faire Orange County 2026!
Tech Rockstar Academy will be exhibiting — come see our robots, meet the team, and learn about ZTLP. Sept 12 & 13 at the OC Fair & Event Center.
Maker Faire Orange County 2026
We're thrilled to be part of this family-friendly celebration of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness — bringing makers of all ages together to share projects and spark inspiration. Find us at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa on September 12 & 13. We'll be demoing Crash & Go Bots, sharing the ZTLP protocol, and showcasing student projects.
🍕 Open Sauce 2026
We're exhibiting Crash & Go Bots at Open Sauce! Stop by our booth to battle a bot, see live demos, and learn how to make one. July 17 · 18 · 19 at the San Mateo County Event Center.
🔧 Maker Faire Orange County 2026
A family-friendly celebration of invention and creativity. We'll be demoing Crash & Go Bots, sharing the ZTLP protocol, and showcasing student projects.
Follow Along on Instagram
Behind-the-scenes builds, student showcases, event coverage, and ZTLP updates — all on our Instagram. Follow along as we build the next generation of tech makers.
Follow Us on Instagram
Students in Action
See what our students are building — from Crash & Go Bots to robotics competitions.
From our May 2026 class — more coming soon!
Scenes from the Academy
A look at our workshops, events, and the projects our students create.
What People Are Saying
Hear from parents, students, and community members about their experience with TRA.
"My son couldn't stop talking about his robot after the first session. He's learning real engineering skills while having fun with his friends — the program has been a huge confidence booster."
"TRA makes coding feel like a game. I didn't think I'd be into programming, but now I want to build my own apps. The ZTLP method really works — you're building something real from day one."
"A truly community-driven program. The instructors are passionate and the curriculum is thoughtfully designed for real learning — not just memorization. This is the future of STEM education."
Stay Connected
Join our mailing list for program announcements, event updates, and Maker Faire news.
Help Power Hands-On STEM Education
Tech Rockstar Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your support — whether through donations, volunteering, or sponsorship — directly funds free and low-cost robotics, coding, and engineering programs for students in our community.
Getting Involved
There are many ways to help us grow and serve our community.
Join Our Newsletter
Get updates on new programs, upcoming events, and how our students are doing.
Volunteer With Us
We welcome mentors, workshop helpers, and event volunteers of all skill levels. Reach out to learn how you can contribute.
Become a Sponsor
Sponsor our programs, events, or student projects. Custom sponsorship packages available for individual and corporate supporters.
Partner With Us
Schools, libraries, and community orgs can partner to bring hands-on tech learning directly to their students.