Our Family & Youth programs are hosted by the THINQubator, the dedicated children's makerspace here at TVCOG. The THINQubator offers a variety of programs for schools, scout troops and other youth enrichment programs which include school field trips, after school programs, clubs, and after-school/weekend workshops. The THINQubator also offers a variety of programs to the general public, including summer enrichment programs, free STEAM workshops, birthday parties, one-time classes and more. Please click the links below to learn more about the programs currently open to the public.
Regularly Occurring & Drop-In Programs
Many of our regularly occurring and drop-in programs are grant-funded, sponsored or supported by individual donations and as such are offered at either a very low cost or no cost at all to the public.
STEAM-Powered Saturdays
Dates/Times: First Saturday of every month, 10 am-1pm (in-person at our facility)
Fee: This program is FREE!
About: STEAM-Powered Saturdays are a free monthly drop-in program hosted the first Saturday of every month. Brought to you through the generous support of Albany Society of Engineers Foundation, these mind-expanding projects help children ages 4-12 and their families discover science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics through creative play. Projects vary from month to month.
Currently, STEAM-Powered Saturday is hosted in-person, at the THINQubator in Tech Valley Center of Gravity at 30 3rd St Troy from 10 am-1pm on the first Saturday of each month. We ask that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear a face mask in the THINQubator event space while attending this workshop. Children 2 and under are exempt, as per CDC recommendation. Vaccinated individuals may take their masks off in the general makerspace; proof of vaccination is required. All guests must be checked in at the front desk. The THINQubator is equipped with sanitation supplies, a hand washing station, and air filters. Registration is not required for those looking to come in person as this is a drop-in event.
Project kits, including instruction worksheets, are also available for pickup on a by-request basis.
You can learn more about each month’s activity, and view old project videos, on our Facebook page here.
Upcoming Projects:
August 7, 2021: Circuit Bugs
September 4, 2021: Mini Crossbows
Summer Programs
2021 Summer Robotics Program
About: This immersive, in-person class introduces young adults ages 11-14 to the world of robotics through hands-in learning. Students will have access to their own individual LEGO MINDSTORM robot kits for the duration of the class, and will be able to design, build and program their very own robots! As they guide their robot through various challenges and tasks, students will not only learn the basics of robotics, but will also develop critical thinking, research and presentation skills—all while having fun with LEGOS. The program is offered at three levels: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Each level is offered twice this summer. Every session takes place at our facility from 1-4pm; at this time, registration for Session 1 classes has closed. Registration for Session 2 classes remains open. Please visit the program information page here to learn more.
Dates and Individual Session Registration Links:
Combined Session 2: Beginner through Advanced
M-F, August 9-27
August 2-6
August 9-13
August 16-20
After-School Programs
We don't currently have any events available. Please check back here soon.
One-Time Classes
Schools and other youth enrichment programs looking for tours, field trips and group workshops should coordinate with us directly via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..