# Open Tech Academy

## Docs

- [AGENTS](https://docs.opentechacademy.org/AGENTS.md)
- [Open Tech Academy Documentation](https://docs.opentechacademy.org/index.md): Official documentation for Open Tech Academy, a student-led 501(c)(3) offering free hardware courses, certificates, browser tools, and PC build workshops.
- [Mission and Values of Open Tech Academy](https://docs.opentechacademy.org/organization/mission.md): How Open Tech Academy keeps tech education free: student-led leadership, radical accessibility, open-source tools, and direct-impact 501(c)(3) governance.
- [Transparency & Sponsors](https://docs.opentechacademy.org/organization/transparency.md): Review Open Tech Academy's IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, incorporation filings, public expense ledger, and the corporate sponsors funding our mission.
- [Certificates & Verification](https://docs.opentechacademy.org/programs/certificates.md): Earn shareable Open Tech Academy course certificates and validate them through our public verification portal at verify.opentechacademy.org.
- [Computer Hardware Course Catalog (HW101 to HW401)](https://docs.opentechacademy.org/programs/courses.md): Browse the full Open Tech Academy Computer Hardware curriculum, from HW101 fundamentals through HW401 system building, with modules, quizzes, and projects.
- [HW101: Computer Hardware Fundamentals](https://docs.opentechacademy.org/programs/courses/hw101.md): Beginner-friendly intro to the core parts of a PC: CPU, RAM, storage, motherboard, GPU, and power supply, with how they connect and what each one does.
- [HW201: CPU Deep Dive on Architecture and Performance](https://docs.opentechacademy.org/programs/courses/hw201.md): Plain-English CPU course covering cores, threads, clock speed, cache hierarchy, thermals, power limits, and how to troubleshoot processor performance issues.
- [HW202: Motherboard Deep Dive on Chipsets and Firmware](https://docs.opentechacademy.org/programs/courses/hw202.md): Plain-English motherboard course on chipsets, sockets, headers, expansion slots, BIOS and UEFI firmware settings, and diagnosing common no-boot failures.
- [HW203: RAM Deep Dive on Capacity, Channels, and Timings](https://docs.opentechacademy.org/programs/courses/hw203.md): Plain-English memory course covering DDR generations, capacity planning, dual and quad channels, CAS timings, XMP profiles, and RAM stability testing.
- [HW204: Storage Deep Dive on SSDs, HDDs, and Interfaces](https://docs.opentechacademy.org/programs/courses/hw204.md): Plain-English storage course on SSDs, HDDs, SATA and NVMe interfaces, M.2 form factors, backup strategies, and safely cloning drives during upgrades.
- [HW205: Expansion, Power, and Cooling Deep Dive](https://docs.opentechacademy.org/programs/courses/hw205.md): Plain-English course on PCIe expansion lanes, PSU wattage and efficiency ratings, case airflow design, fan curves, and validating safe hardware upgrades.
- [HW206: Graphics Deep Dive on GPUs and Displays](https://docs.opentechacademy.org/programs/courses/hw206.md): Plain-English graphics course covering GPU rendering pipelines, VRAM bandwidth, HDMI and DisplayPort links, driver stacks, and troubleshooting visual artifacts.
- [HW301: Communication Protocols and Connectors](https://docs.opentechacademy.org/programs/courses/hw301.md): How PC components communicate: internal buses, external ports, display and storage interfaces, network protocols, cable limits, and connector troubleshooting.
- [HW401: Understanding How It All Goes Together](https://docs.opentechacademy.org/programs/courses/hw401.md): Capstone PC build course: gather requirements, balance part compatibility, plan a full system, validate the assembled build, and complete an autograded project.
- [Learning Center: Free Self-Paced Hardware Courses](https://docs.opentechacademy.org/programs/learning-center.md): The Open Tech Academy Learning Center at learn.opentechacademy.org hosts free, self-paced courses, quizzes, and certificate tracking for absolute beginners.
- [Open Tech Tools: Free Browser-Based Utilities](https://docs.opentechacademy.org/programs/open-tech-tools.md): Free browser-based utilities at opentechtools.org for converting images, PDFs, and audio locally, plus encrypted file sharing with full client-side privacy.
- [Build-to-Own PC Workshops](https://docs.opentechacademy.org/programs/workshops.md): Free in-person Build-to-Own PC workshops in Prince William County and Manassas, VA where students source, assemble, and take home a working desktop.