Rooted in Family, Built for the Community

Tech Rockstar Academy grew out of a family belief that every student deserves early exposure to technology as creators not just consumers. That belief was modeled for our founder Steven Price long before he ever started the Academy.

"Technology has the power to change lives. Every student deserves the opportunity to explore, create, innovate, and discover what’s possible through hands-on learning."
— Steven Price, Founder

Where It All Began

Steven’s father was an electronic engineer whose pioneering work included building early prototypes — including the world’s first rechargeable implantable pacemaker, now part of the Smithsonian Museum’s permanent collection. Steven’s mother was a grade school teacher who later became a vice principal and recognized something critical: computers were entering classrooms but most students and teachers were afraid of them.

When Steven was in 6th grade he helped his mother set up the school’s first computer lab. He connected the network between the machines so kids at her school could actually use and understand computers instead of fearing them. That early experience — seeing students’ faces light up when technology clicked — planted the seed for everything that came next.

More than two decades in IT, cybersecurity and networking followed. Steven watched the digital divide widen from the inside. In 2024 he founded Tech Rockstar Academy to close it — starting with robots you can touch, code you can run and projects you can take home.

Through the Academy we are building a collection of historical computers, networking equipment and technology artifacts. The goal is two-fold: preserve an otherwise lost chapter of computing history and give students a tactile timeline from vacuum tubes to the modern internet that books alone cannot teach.

Highlights from our family heritage include prototypes related to Steven’s father’s pioneering medical device work including circuitry and components that led to the first rechargeable implantable pacemaker now displayed at the Smithsonian Museum. Additional pieces include vintage desktop systems, early telecommunications gear and hands-on equipment students can explore during special workshops.

We accept donations of historical tech artifacts. If you have something worth preserving reach out.

We actively pursue foundation grants, corporate sponsorships and government funding to keep our programs accessible regardless of ability to pay. Your donations help us apply for larger grants and leverage every dollar.

Current grant recipients and partner information will be posted here as agreements are finalized.

From a kid helping his mom wire up a computer lab in the 90s to running a nonprofit that teaches robotics and AI—the mission has never changed. Every student deserves their moment of “I built this.”

— Steven Price, Founder & Executive Director