Rock the STEAM Team Inc.

DiversiTECH Dane

DiversiTECH Dane, powered by Rock the STEAM Team Inc., is more than a program—it’s a movement. Rooted in the belief that every person deserves access to a future in technology, DiversiTECH Dane is a transformative initiative that prepares youth and adults with disabilities to pursue meaningful, high-growth careers in advanced technology. By combining hands-on learning, cutting-edge tools, mentorship, and community collaboration, this program opens the doors of the tech industry to those historically left on the sidelines.

Empowering Youth and Adults with Disabilities Through Inclusive Tech Innovation in Dane County, WI

We are not just training coders or engineers, DiversiTECH Dane is training a workforce that reflects the full diversity, brilliance, & potential of Dane County.

Accessible learning is a cornerstone of Rock the STEAM Team and the mission of the DiversiTECH Dane project. This initiative focuses on providing and enhancing adaptive technology to support education for individuals with disabilities.

By incorporating adaptive technologies and personalized teaching methods, the program ensures that all participants can fully engage with the curriculum and work alongside schools and existing systems to support participants in all aspects of their daily lives.

A boy wearing a virtual reality headset Text: DiversiTECH Dane: Every person deserves access to a future in technology

This inclusive approach not only breaks down barriers but also empowers youth and adults with disabilities to thrive in school and, ultimately, in careers, fostering a more diverse and innovative workforce in Dane County.

Why DiversiTECH Dane Matters

Technology powers our world, yet people with disabilities remain dramatically underrepresented in the tech workforce. In Dane County, nearly 7% of the population identifies as living with a disability. These individuals often face systemic barriers: from inaccessible learning environments to limited access to adaptive tools and mentorship.

Specifically 5,188 individuals with disabilities are students enrolled in the twelve community school districts (representing 13.32% of the total student population).

6,972 individuals between the ages of 18 and 64 are designated as the Training Adult Workforce for CIE targeted age group for the project.

At the same time, the region is experiencing a surge in demand for tech talent. DiversiTECH Dane bridges these two realities—ensuring that people with disabilities aren’t just included in the conversation about the future of tech, but are leading it.

DiversiTECH Dane Program Mission

To build inclusive, accessible career pathways in advanced technology for youth and adults with disabilities, empowering them with the tools, training, and community support needed to thrive in a competitive digital economy.

Who the DiversiTECH Dane Program Serves

DiversiTECH Dane focuses on reaching individuals with disabilities from 26 rural and suburban communities throughout Dane County. Our participants include:

  • Youth aged 5–17 in need of adaptive, hands-on STEM education
  • Young adults (18–34) seeking tech certifications and career entry
  • Adults with disabilities, including veterans and career changers
  • Educators, parents, and caregivers looking for inclusive tech learning environments

We also engage school districts, employers, and community partners to create wraparound support systems that reinforce long-term success.

DiversiTECH Dane Program Features

1. Tech Training That Adapts to Every Learner

We apply the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to ensure that instruction is accessible to all.

Whether through haptic programming kits for blind students, adaptive robotics, or voice-to-code software, we empower every participant to engage in learning that fits their needs and strengths.

A woman teaching a child in a classroom

2. Career-Connected Learning

Participants engage in pathways that reflect real-world career opportunities—including:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Robotics & Automation
  • Data Analytics
  • Digital Prototyping & 3D Printing
  • Web & Software Development
  • Assistive Technology Design

By partnering with Madison-based tech companies, we connect learners to mentors, internships, and cutting-edge industry tools.

A man in a wheelchair using a laptop

3. Mentorship and Representation

Representation matters. Our mentors include STEM professionals with disabilities, ensuring that participants see themselves reflected in the careers they aspire to.

Peer mentors, guest speakers, and industry volunteers help build confidence and career-readiness through authentic, ongoing support.

a group of business people in a meeting room with their hands in the air

4. Community Integration

We collaborate with local schools, disability advocacy groups, and employers to embed inclusive practices across the ecosystem.

Whether hosting a coding night at a rural library or launching a robotics showcase at our makerspace, DiversiTECH Dane ensures our community is at the center of the work.

Two people standing in front of a bakery counter

5. No-Cost, Year-Round Programs

Accessibility includes financial access. All DiversiTECH Dane programs are tuition-free. We also reduce barriers by providing snacks, supplies, assistive devices, and transportation assistance when needed.

Impact by the Numbers

  • 500+ participants served annually
  • 1 in 10 people in our target area lives with a disability
  • 26 communities reached across Dane County
  • 13.3% of students in local school districts have an IEP or documented disability
  • 100% free access to all training, mentorship, and workshops

We track impact through pre- and post-assessments, participant feedback, and job placement data. Our goal: to see 60% of adult learners employed in STEM careers or enrolled in certification programs within six months of completing our curriculum.

Program Tracks

→ Elementary STEM Labs (Ages under 10)
Grounded in the principles of universal design, these labs prioritize accessibility and creativity for all young learners, including those with disabilities, sensory needs, and emerging language skills.

a man and a child in a wheelchair playing with legos

→ Youth STEM Labs (Ages 10–17)
Fun, project-based learning in coding, robotics, game design, and more—adapted for all abilities and offered during after-school hours and summer camps.

→ Adult Workforce Development (Ages 18+)
Career-aligned training in digital skills, including cybersecurity, data literacy, AI, and assistive tech. Learners gain hands-on experience, portfolio projects, and certifications in high-demand fields.

→ Tech Mentorship & Leadership
Peer and professional mentorship paired with leadership development workshops, speaker panels, and tech field trips. Designed to help participants build confidence, networks, and soft skills.

a group of children and a man working on a robot

→ Industry & Educator Collaborations
We provide training for teachers, workshops for employers, and resources for community orgs seeking to build inclusive tech environments.

Real Tools. Real Careers.

Participants build and test accessible robots, prototype assistive devices with 3D printers, and even program voice-controlled AI bots. Our hands-on approach not only builds technical skills but also fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and a lifelong love of learning.

Our Home: The Rock the STEAM Team Makerspace & Tech Hub

Located in the heart of Dane County, our universally designed facility includes:

  • Robotics Lab & Battle Arena
  • Digital Prototyping & 3D Printing Studio
  • PK–8 Coding Labs
  • Hydroponic Garden for AgTech projects
  • ADA-compliant classrooms and makerspaces
  • Community resource library and AV room

This space serves as the beating heart of DiversiTECH Dane and a beacon for inclusive innovation in the Midwest.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At its core, DiversiTECH Dane is about belonging. We intentionally build learning experiences that reflect and respect every participant’s lived experience, identity, and ability.

We center the principles of DEIAB:

  • Diversity: Celebrating all forms of human difference
  • Equity: Addressing systemic barriers to opportunity
  • Inclusion: Ensuring everyone feels respected and welcomed
  • Accessibility: Removing physical, cognitive, and digital barriers
  • Belonging: Creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued

Get Involved

Whether you’re a student, parent, educator, funder, or corporate partner—there’s a place for you in DiversiTECH Dane.

✅ Enroll your child or yourself in our next cohort
✅ Sponsor a robotics kit or tech scholarship
✅ Partner with us on accessible tech innovation
✅ Mentor an aspiring coder, engineer, or innovator
✅ Volunteer at one of our seasonal community showcases



DiversiTECH Dane Program Tracks