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 public beta, now live with Computer Hardware Fundamentals as our first released course.
Public beta 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 in public beta
- 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 current fundraising goal is $17,000 to make the first workshop possible.
- Interest form now open
- $17,000 workshop fundraising goal now live
- Hands-on beginner-friendly instruction
- Open to anyone, hosted in PWC or Manassas
- Free attendance and participants keep the completed computer
What the interest form helps us plan
Join the waitlist now and we'll follow up as soon as dates, venue details, and participation plans are finalized. Donations are currently helping us reach the first $17,000 needed to launch the workshop.
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
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.
Pick a topic
Choose a subject that excites you. No sign-in required to start exploring.
Learn by doing
Short lessons, practical checklists, and quick quizzes keep you moving.
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.
PrecisionPCs
Computers, consoles, and more — supporting accessible tech education.
WebLatte.io
Web design company elevating our experience. “From clicks to conversions — websites, funnels & automations that scale.”
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 public beta 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.
Help keep learning free
Even small monthly gifts go a long way. Your support funds hosting, equipment, and new course development.
Where donations go
- Hosting and platform costs
- Course creation and equipment
- Curriculum development and learner support