Pathfinders Summer Institute 2026
Pathfinders Summer Institute 2026
Firia Labs, in partnership with Infosys Foundation USA, is dedicated to offering tuition-free professional development for teachers. This initiative is designed to equip educators with the skills necessary to teach authentic, project-based computer science courses using Python, the industry-standard programming language.
The Pathfinders Summer Institute is extending full scholarships, courtesy of Infosys Foundation USA, to K-12 teachers from public and charter schools, as well as to community librarians and district technology specialists, allowing these additional roles to join.
Beyond the Remote: Teaching Autonomous Python Robotics
June 1 - 5, 2026
8am - 5pm Central Time
OR
July 6 - 10, 2026
8am - 5pm Central Time
Course Description
Calling all innovative educators! Imagine your students coding autonomous robot missions—no remote control required. This hands-on professional development for 6th–12th grade educators equips you to teach Python through robotics challenges that deliver authentic, real-world learning and teach future-ready skills.
The bar keeps rising in STEM and computer science. With AI everywhere, it’s more important than ever that students understand what’s happening under the hood. Using AI well still requires real problem-solving, logical thinking, and the ability to read, write, and reason about code. Python is one of the best ways to build that foundation.
No matter where you are in your Python journey—from first steps to confident instruction (and if you’re still in blocks, we’ll help you graduate students to text-based Python)—our experienced instructors guide you every step of the way. You’ll build confidence by:
- Completing CodeBot missions using sensors, accelerometers, buttons, and LEDs.
- Navigating Firia Lab’s web-based CodeSpace Python IDE and LMS.
- Applying research-based teaching strategies.
- Leveraging AI tools to enhance the learning experience without replacing core learning.
What's Included?
Selected participants will receive:
✅ 1 CodeBot
✅ 1-year curriculum license
✅ Access to CodeSpace Learning Platform
✅ Access to Firia Labs Learning Portal resources
✅ 40 hours of Professional development and ongoing support
How to Join
Follow these steps to join us this summer:
- Create a free account in the Pathfinders Online Portal (opens in a new tab).
- Register for Beyond the Remote: Teaching Autonomous Python Robotics.
Firia Labs will be in contact with you within 5 days in regards to your acceptance. Once you are accepted, you will be required to turn in 2 items:
- Scholarship acceptance letter you receive via email, signed by both you and your admin/principal.
- A screenshot of your Pathfinders Online Portal. It will look like this picture below.
Join us for an action-packed experience that will transform your classroom and inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.