Youth Technology Academy (YTA) is designed to train students for the technical workforce. The program uses a robotics curriculum developed by Carnegie Mellon University along with engineering and manufacturing coursework at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C). YTA also offers students job shadowing experiences, career mentoring from professional engineers and technicians, paid internships and soft skills training to increase high school students interest and participation in technical careers. YTA allows students opportunities to apply classroom knowledge with hands-on activities, increases their exposure to the college environment, and strengthens their communication and job readiness skills that will enhance their future ability to become successful employees.