Learn tech skills.
Build your future.

Open Tech Academy is a student-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering practical courses in PCs, coding, AI, and cybersecurity-built for beginners, makers, and curious learners. We publish hands-on guides that range from understanding cables and ports to deep dives on hardware, software, and digital creativity. Our mission continues through the Learning Center, now live with Computer Hardware Fundamentals as our first released course.

Enter the Learning CenterVerify a certificateDonate to Open Tech Academy

Access is open now, and certificate verification is live at verify.opentechacademy.org

Why visit the Learning Center?

Free, self-paced tech lessons—from absolute basics to deeper dives. Learn by doing, earn certificates, and level up your real-world skills.

  • Free and open access to every module
  • Computer Hardware Fundamentals is available now
  • Certificates you can share and verify publicly
  • New courses added all the time

Free build-to-own PC workshop waitlist

We are gauging interest in a free, in-person workshop that would be hosted in Prince William County or Manassas, Virginia. Anyone from anywhere is welcome to attend. Participants would learn to build a computer and keep the finished PC. Our fundraising goal is an ongoing, "as much as possible" target to support participants. Note that to start, a temporary device may be awarded.

  • Interest form now open
  • "As much as possible" ongoing fundraising target
  • Hands-on beginner-friendly instruction
  • Open to anyone, hosted in PWC or Manassas
  • Free attendance and participants keep the completed computer
Join the workshop waitlistHelp fund the workshop

What the interest form helps us plan

LocationPrince William County or Manassas, VA
Fundraising goalAs much as possible
AttendanceOpen to anyone
FormatIn-person PC build workshop
Student costFree

Join the waitlist now and we'll follow up as soon as dates, venue details, and participation plans are finalized. Donations support PC parts and instruction. To start, a temporary device may be awarded as we scale up to permanent, take-home PCs.

Open Tech Tools is live

Open Tech Tools is our new, free toolkit for file conversions and encrypted sharing. Everything runs locally in your browser with no paywalls or ads.

  • Local image, PDF, audio, and data converters
  • End-to-end encrypted file sharing with expiration controls
  • Unlimited usage, funded by community donations
Explore Open Tech ToolsSupport the free tools

Built by Open Tech Academy

Every tool is built with privacy-first defaults and is free to use for everyone, thanks to Open Tech Academy supporters.

  • No file size caps for conversions
  • Works directly in the browser
  • Share files with QR codes

How it works

Pick a pathway, learn by doing, and earn a certificate with public verification when you finish the modules.

Step 01

Pick a topic

Choose a subject that excites you. No sign-in required to start exploring.

Step 02

Learn by doing

Short lessons, practical checklists, and quick quizzes keep you moving.

Step 03

Earn a certificate

Complete modules to unlock a shareable certificate with live public verification.

Our mission

We reduce barriers to tech education by publishing free, high-quality courses and resources that anyone can start using immediately—no expensive licenses, no gatekeeping.

  • IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit
  • Real-world, project-based learning
  • Open resources with remix-friendly policies

Sponsors

We’re grateful for the organizations that make Open Tech Academy possible.

FAQ

Is it really free?

Yes. Our core content is free. Donations help us cover hosting and equipment so we can keep it that way.

Do I need an account?

You can browse content without one. Create a free account in the Learning Center to track progress and earn certificates.

How do certificates work?

Complete all required modules and assessments. Your certificate includes a public ID and can be verified at verify.opentechacademy.org.