About Tech25 and Our Mission
Tech25 was started to address the growing demand locally and nationally for broadcast and event technicians with a specific focus on helping to diversify this workforce through creating awareness of the industry, access to training, and an entry point into employment for more women and BIPOC communities.
Did you know that the arts industry contributes $651 million dollars annually across 32,211 jobs in the Pittsburgh region? Our program provides entry-level access to positions that pay living wages for both youth and adults looking for careers in this field.
Outside of 4-year degree college programs at CMU and Point Park, Pittsburgh lacks a facility that can train new technicians in the event technology field at a vocational level.Tech25 is looking to change this by making industry education and training more accessible.
WHO DOES TECH 25 SERVE?
We work with all ages!
Our Audio and Lighting Basics Courses and Ableton Workshops are designed to serve ADULTS AND TEENS. These are mixed age classes.
Do we have Youth Centered Programs?
YES!!!!
We call those EARS (Educational Audio Resources).
SEE LINK
We can also customize a class for any school or partner.
We have customized programs for libraries, museums, schools, businesses, and even provide professional development for working professionals in..
LIVE EVENT PRODUCTION WORKERS
AFTERSCHOOL MENTORS
TEACHERS
ADMINISTRATORS
Tech 25 serves as:
- Workforce Development pipeline for event technology and broadcasting industries, locally and nationally
- Key driver of transforming STEAM-based education in the City of Pittsburgh
Dedicated to Change
Our mission is to provide youth and adults with career opportunities in the event production and broadcast industry through classes, workshops, and hands-on mentoring. Our work promotes diversity in the entertainment and event technology industry by providing entry into jobs that pay a living wage and lead to fulfilling careers.
Goal & Vision
Our goal is to provide youth and adults in the Pittsburgh Region with educational training and certification programs. Tech25 is a state-of-the-art event training center providing technical support and educational training for many of the cultural institutions and performing arts centers in Western PA. Whether you are already involved in recording, live sound, video, or just getting started, our vision is to provide you with education and vocational opportunities that lead to living-wage careers in the entertainment technology field.
Statement of Engagement
At Tech 25, our mission centers around facilitating access to training and equipment within the Event Production industry. We recognize the vital role that event production plays in community engagement, and as part of our commitment to empowering individuals and organizations, we extend our services to include event production on a case-by-case basis.
Tech 25 provides event production services with a specific focus on supporting community groups and non-profit organizations that may need more resources to engage professional production companies. It is crucial to note that our intention is not to compete directly with established event production companies. Instead, our goal is to collaborate and augment the efforts of organizations within our community.
Our approach is rooted in a commitment to support and uplift our partnering organizations, providing them with the technical expertise they need for successful events. Simultaneously, we aim to create valuable work experience opportunities for our trainees and apprentices, allowing them to apply and refine the skills they acquire through our training programs.
The types of organizations we actively engage with include 501(c)(3) non-profits, community groups, volunteer organizations, schools, and educational institutions. We also extend our services to program partners that are dedicated to serving youth. By focusing on these specific sectors, we align our efforts with community-building initiatives and contribute to the growth and success of organizations working towards positive social impact.
Tech 25 is dedicated to fostering collaboration within our community, promoting skill development, and ensuring that our event production services complement the goals and missions of the organizations we serve. Through these efforts, we aim to create a positive impact on the community while providing meaningful opportunities for learning and professional development.
Our Pledge
At Tech 25, we're firmly committed to supporting education, providing community access to equipment, and collaborating with professional production companies. This commitment means we avoid activities that compete with or undermine these organizations. Our mission is all about empowerment, and to uphold this, we don't engage in practices that undercut other businesses. Instead, we focus on collaboration, aiming to work alongside and complement the services of these companies for a harmonious industry coexistence.
Our Facility & Specs
|
We provide the tools you need to excel as:
|
What Tech25 offers:
|
Core Programs
Audio Basics
Who it serves: Youth and adults seeking foundational audio training.
Program Details: Evening classes providing entry-level training in analog and digital signal flow, EQ, microphones, and basic mixing techniques.
Lighting Basics
Who it serves: Youth and adults interested in theatrical and live event lighting.
Program Details: Introductory classes covering lighting fixtures, control systems, design principles, and safety.
Live Sound 1 & 2
Who it serves: Teens and adults interested in professional audio careers.
Program Details: Sequential training in setup, troubleshooting, and mixing live sound systems. Graduates support real-world events.
Masterclasses and Certifications
Who it serves: Advanced high school students, gap year participants, and adult learners.
Program Details: Tech 25 offers masterclasses in areas like RF coordination, Dante networking, FOH mixing, and playback engineering. These sessions are led by industry professionals and may lead to micro-credentials or certifications via Credly.
Key Outcomes: Over 150 participants engaged annually. Microbadges awarded for career advancement and résumés
Start On Success (SOS)
Who it serves: High school students with IEPs or disabilities, referred by public school systems.
Program Details: Students participate in daily hands-on learning in audio production, lighting, DJing, and digital media. Many students remain onsite 5–9 hours daily, drawn by the safe environment, access to equipment, mentorship, and meals.
Bridging the Gap Year (post High School Apprenticeship)
Who it serves: Recent high school graduates and young adults (ages 17–24) not enrolled in higher education.
Program Details: A workforce bridge year focused on intensive job training, soft skills development, and professional credentialing. Participants build portfolios, earn industry certifications, and are placed into paid work opportunities with partner production companies.
BPM Ableton Packs
Who it serves: Youth ages 10–18 in summer camps and afterschool programs.
Program Details: Short-term music technology courses that teach beatmaking, DJing, sampling, and Foley design using Ableton Live.
Warhol DJ Academy
Who it serves: Middle and high school youth.
Program Details: Hosted in partnership with The Andy Warhol Museum, this program teaches DJing, performance, and music curation using turntables and digital platforms.
EARS (Educational Audio Resources)
Who it serves: Youth K-12 with in school and OST programming in media arts, live sound, lighitng and beatmaking
