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
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: LA Maker Faire April 26, 2026 at Exposition Park.
See the announcement →We're Going to LA Maker Faire 2026!
Tech Rockstar Academy will be exhibiting — come see our robots, meet the team, and learn about ZTLP. April 26 at Exposition Park.
Maker Faire Los Angeles 2026
We're thrilled to be part of the "Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth" — presented by Make: Magazine. Come find us at Exposition Park in Los Angeles on April 26 for a day packed with invention, creativity, and hands-on tech. 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
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.