SCaLE: The Next Generation (TNG) is a youth-focused tech event—returning to Pasadena on Saturday, March 8th, 2025 from 11 am to 5 pm. This event provides a platform for the future leaders of the free and open-source community to showcase their innovative ideas, projects, and talents!
Mission Statement
To inspire the FOSS community leaders of tomorrow with hands-on experiences, educational opportunities, and interactions with industry leaders, igniting a lifelong interest in technology and open source innovation.
Teen Track Talks
The SCALE: The Next Generation Teen Track is offering students in grades 6-12 a unique opportunity to step into the spotlight and present their tech projects and passions. This year’s talks cover a diverse range of innovative and inspiring topics, showcasing the creativity and skills of young tech enthusiasts. These student-led sessions not only highlight their talents but also inspire peers and adults with fresh perspectives and cutting-edge ideas.
The Next Generation (TNG) Workshop Space
The Next Generation Workshop Space is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m, welcoming students to drop in at their convenience.
In addition to the presentations, attendees can explore The Next Generation (TNG) Workshop Space—an interactive area designed to spark curiosity and provide hands-on learning experiences. The activity room features various stations where participants dive into different Linux distributions, experiment with open-source applications, and explore cutting-edge tech like computer vision with OpenCV, AI, and generative art.
Grab a Passport and visit all the activities to get a chance to win some cool prizes, including various electronics and Raspberry Pis donated by the SCaLE community. (Much thanks to Justin Garrison.)
The workshop room offers a variety of hands-on experiences, including learning the Linux command line, machine learning with facial recognition, digital art creation, and 3D design and printing, where attendees can watch their 3D models come to life. The Open Source Rover is on display for a live demonstration. You will also learn more about DIY Robotics and environmental sensors. There will be a Chicken Man Wi-Fi hacking game.
Attendees can immerse themselves in interactive projects like Snap Circuits and Turing Tumble, which introduce the basics of electronics and mechanical computing in a playful way. Additionally, activities centered around micro:bit provide an engaging and accessible introduction to coding and electronics, sparking curiosity and creativity for learners of all ages. Whether you're attending to learn, network, or simply have fun, SCALE: The Next Generation is the perfect place for young tech enthusiasts to immerse themselves in open-source innovation and hands-on activities.
How to Participate as a Presenter?
Students interested in speaking or exhibiting at SCaLE can submit an abstract through the Call for Presenters, which closes on November 1, 2024. To be considered for this event, they should select "The Next Generation" track. Presentation options include 20-minute or 45-minute talks, workshops, poster sessions, or hosting a booth. Selections will be finalized by early December, and all applicants will be notified by mid-December.
How to Attend/Register?
SCaLE welcomes school groups, clubs, and individuals to attend SCaLE. Pre-registration is required. Click on the links below:
- School/Group Registration Click Here
- Individual Student Registration Click Here
- Parents/Chaperone Registration for SCaLE Expo Pass Click Here
Registration is free for school groups and their chaperone. For individuals, attendees under the age of 18 can attend SCaLE at no charge. Note: A registered parent or guardian must accompany their child to SCaLE TNG and stay for the duration.
What are the Requirements for Student Groups and Chaperones?
Our recommended ratio for adult to student supervision is as follows:
- Grade 10th-12th grade: 1 adult for any number of students
- Grades 7th-9th grade, 1 adult to 3 students
- Grades 3rd-6th, 1 adult to 2 students
- Grades 2nd and younger, 1 adult to 1 student
More?
If you have any questions, please email us at youth@socallinuxexpo.org.
For those interested in helping to plan the event, we encourage you to join the scale-kids mailing list.
The Next Generation Workshop Space is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m, welcoming students to drop in at their convenience.
Talks
11:15am - Making Linux From Scratch (August Cho)
12:15pm - Smarter Ways to Stay Safe Online by Building Better Passwords (Andrew Lim)
1:00pm - Scam–Spotting 101: How to Identify Phishing and Fake Messages (Jonah Ibarra, Eisly Morales)
2:30pm - Be Your Own AWS (Brady Hancock)
3:15pm - Building Community and Social Capital on the Internet (Alexander Moral)
4:15pm - Euphony Echo: Integrating Virtual Reality, Machine Learning, and Music Therapy to Enhance Emotional Expression and Anxiety Management for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Alana Wu)