Transform Learning Through Expressive STEM

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FLT explores expressive STEM in Central Texas, blending computers, robotics, and crafts with heritage and community to make stories, art, and science.

2017
Since
500+
Families Served
10+
Community Partners

Become a Facilitator

Lead creative computing adventures and inspire families to explore technology together.

Learn More

Become a Volunteer

Support our mission and help families discover the joy of learning through technology.

Get Involved

Become a Sponsor

Invest in community-powered STEM education and make a lasting impact on families.

Partner Now

How We Transform Learning

Everyone Teaches

We believe every person brings unique knowledge and perspective to our learning community.

Everyone Learns

Learning happens across generations as we explore technology and creativity side by side.

Everyone Creates

Through hands-on projects, families build meaningful connections between technology and their stories.

About Us

Connecting families, technology, and heritage since 2017.

Our Beginnings

Families Learning Together (FLT) was started in 2017 by Dr. Sean Justice, associate professor of art education in the School of Art & Design at Texas State University. The vision behind FLT came from his work in art and computer science education, and from his experience as an entrepreneur and commercial artist working in photography. Since beginning his career in education, Dr. Justice has focused on helping students of all ages work with computational materials as a meaningful way to make art, tell stories, play games, and do science.

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Our Approach

The FLT method is based on shared inquiry and problem-finding. Playshop activities include storytelling, game design, citizen science, and art making. FLT believes that expressive STEM is a constructivist mindset that welcomes a wide variety of making and building with different tools and materials. Coding is a great place to start, but there’s a whole lot more. For instance, playshops often begin with Scratch, a computer programming platform designed for young people at the MIT Media Lab, and then expand outward like ripples on a pond.

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Our Team

FLT works with Texas State University students who want to teach 21st century creative skills. Together we’re learning to expand individual creativity to better serve our communities. Since 2017, Texas State University students from education, computer science, history, dance, English, biology, art, and other departments have become playshop teachers. Some are complete novices in computer science themselves, at least at the beginning — but we all learn together!

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Our Headquarters: San Marcos, TX

San Marcos is a vibrant city on the Interstate 35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio. This history of cultural ebb and flow informs the design of FLT’s playshops. To increase participation for the whole community FLT invites families, students, and teachers to explore the cultural relevance of their stories, games, art, and science. As we tell stories and make art together with computational tools and materials, acquiring computational thinking skills and practices in the process, this grounding in our shared history connects our learning to self-efficacy and helps build a healthy community.

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Become a Facilitator

Lead expressive STEM adventures. Join our team of dedicated facilitators and help families discover the magic of creative technology.

What You'll Do & How We'll Support You

  • Guide families through hands-on computer programming projects
  • Facilitate craft circuits and robotics
  • Support intergenerational learning in community venues
  • Help families create meaningful digital stories and art
  • Comprehensive onboarding with Dr. Sean Justice
  • Ongoing professional development opportunities
  • Access to Texas State University resources
  • Conference presentation and research opportunities

Ready to Get Started?

Become a Volunteer

Help families discover technology together. Join our community of volunteers and support meaningful learning experiences.

How to Help & Upcoming Events

  • Support workshop setup and materials preparation
  • Assist with translation during bilingual sessions
  • Document and share family learning stories
  • Help with event promotion and community outreach

Stay tuned for upcoming volunteer opportunities! We'll notify our volunteers about new events and ways to get involved.

Join Our Volunteer Network

Become a Sponsor

Invest in community-powered STEM education. Partner with FLT to create lasting impact in Central Texas families and communities.

Partnership Impact & Benefits

  • Support innovative STEM education for underserved communities
  • Enable access to cutting-edge technology and materials
  • Strengthen intergenerational bonds through shared learning
  • Build pathways to higher education and technology careers
  • Recognition in community events and materials
  • Opportunities for employee volunteer engagement
  • Access to research insights and impact reports
  • Partnership with Texas State University
Download Sponsorship Package

Explore Partnership Opportunities

Connect With Us

Ready to join our community? We'd love to hear from you and explore how we can work together.

Get in Touch

Director Dr. Sean Justice
Email fltsmtx@gmail.com
Instagram @flt.smtx
Facebook /flt.smtx

Send Us a Message