Families Learning Together
Transforming learning in Central Texas with Expressive STEM playshops, showcases, book circles, and scientist roundtables to share heritage stories and build community skills.
Coding. Robotics. Literacy. Art. Textiles. Circuits. Crafts.
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 Makes
Through hands-on projects, families build meaningful connections between technology and their stories.
Upcoming Events
Thanks for an Amazing Summer of 2026!
- Playshop Theme: Books and Making Books at the San Marcos Public Library and the Expressive STEM Center.
- Kids & Robots continues at the SMPL and the ESC!
- Open Hours on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
- Community Science too!
FLT is joining the Texas Stream Teamwater quality management project. We'll have our own special spot at Spring Lake near the Meadows Center to collect data for the Texas Water Quality database.
Become a Facilitator
Lead creative computing adventures and inspire families to explore technology together.
Learn MoreBecome a Volunteer
Support our mission and help families discover the joy of learning through technology.
Get InvolvedBecome a Sponsor
Invest in community-powered STEM education and make a lasting impact on families.
Partner Now
About Us
Connecting families, technology, and heritage since 2017.
Our Home: San Marcos, TX
Families Learning Together (FLT) was started in 2017 in San Marcos by Dr. Sean Justice, an art education professor at Texas State University. The vision for FLT came from his work in art and computer science education, helping students of all ages work with computational materials to make art, tell stories, and do science.
Our Approach
The FLT method is based on shared inquiry and problem-finding. Playshop activities include storytelling, game design, and art making. Expressive STEM welcomes making and building with different tools. There are so many great places to start—Make it move! Light it up! Make it stand! When challenges are encountered we meet them as a community, showing and sharing our failures and successes, together.
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!
Did You Know?
- San Marcos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the Americas.
- The city is known for its crystal-clear San Marcos River, which maintains a constant 72°F (22°C) year-round.
- Texas State University, a Run-to-R1 university, is a vital part of the city's identity and culture.
Check out what the media is saying about us!
DEL in Between • Mar 21, 2025
Families Learning Together: Expressive STEM Inquiry in San Marcos, TX
Texas State Newsroom • Feb 28, 2023
Family Time: Associate professor brings creativity and computers together
San Marcos Daily Record • Jul 17, 2022
STEM SHOWCASE: Students Take Part In Scratch Maker Camp At Centro
The University Star • Feb 26, 2019
Future teachers integrate technology into art classes with new program
San Marcos Daily Record • May 24, 2017
Students and parents learning programming… from Scratch
San Marcos Daily Record • Mar 23, 2017
Professor teaching children from ‘Scratch’
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 expressive STEM projects
- Learn to teach computer programming, circuits, and robotics
- Support intergenerational learning across the community
- Help families make digital stories and art
- Comprehensive onboarding with Dr. Sean Justice and FLT leadership
- Access to Texas State University expressive STEM resources
- Conference presentation and research opportunities
- Open to all TXST students and community members 18 and older
Ready to Get Started?
Become a Volunteer
Help families discover technology together. Join our community of volunteers and support meaningful learning experiences.
Ways You Can Help
- 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
- Become a friendly face for families at community events
Join our volunteer network and stay tuned for opportunities!
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
Explore Partnership Opportunities
Learning in Action
Connect With Us
Ready to join our community? We'd love to hear from you and explore how we can work together.