Student-led. Free to learn.

Technology makes more sense
when you get hands-on.

Learn how computers work, try something new, and build skills you can use. Open Tech Academy makes practical tech education available to everyone.

Start learning for freeFind a more affordable computer

An IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

From the Learning CenterA place to start

Computer Hardware
Fundamentals

Start with the parts inside a PC. Learn at your own pace, with practical lessons and a certificate when you complete the course.

Cost
Free
Format
Self-paced
Start here
Beginners welcome
Explore the course

Affordable Computer Program

A computer that fits
your needs and budget.

School, work, everyday life. A useful computer should be within reach.

We’re working to improve computer affordability. Tell us how much the computer you want costs, or let us recommend a computer based on what you need it to do.

Your starting point
A price or a recommendation
Your needs
What you’ll use it for
Status
Interest form open
Tell us what you needSee what we’re funding

This is an interest request. Availability, support, and next steps depend on program resources; submitting does not place an order or guarantee a computer.

A place to begin

No tech background required.

Start with a topic that makes you curious. Keep going at your own pace.

  1. Pick a topic

    Explore the Learning Center. You can browse the content before making an account.

  2. Try it yourself

    Work through lessons, practical checklists, and quizzes. Build understanding by doing.

  3. Show what you learned

    Complete the required modules and assessments to earn a shareable, publicly verifiable certificate.

Already have a certificate? Verify it here

Useful beyond the classroom

Free tools.
Practical guides.

Small, useful things from the Open Tech Academy community.

Tools

Open Tech Tools

Convert images, PDFs, audio, and data locally in your browser. Share files with end-to-end encryption and expiration controls. No paywalls or ads.

Reading

The Open Tech Academy blog

Hands-on guides covering hardware, software, AI, cybersecurity, and digital creativity.

Your account

My Open Tech Academy

A place to manage your Open Tech Academy account and access donor portal tools.

Why we’re here

Curiosity shouldn’t come
with a price tag.

We’re a student-led nonprofit working to remove barriers to tech education through free courses, practical resources, and hands-on learning.

Our resources are available to learners and educators. Reuse follows each resource’s stated license.

Read our records and see where donations go

With support from

Our main sponsor

WebLatte.io supports our web experience. We’re grateful for the organizations that make this work possible.

A few good questions

Before you begin.

Ask us something else
Is it really free?

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

Do I need an account?

You can browse without one. A free Learning Center account lets you track your progress and earn certificates.

How do certificates work?

Finish the required modules and assessments to earn a certificate with a public ID. Anyone can check it through our certificate verifier.