Build. Code. Create.

The Tween Robotics Club brings tweens, ages 9 to 12, together to take on exciting new engineering and programming challenges using LEGO® Spike Essentials robotics kits. Work with friends to design robots, program their movements, and put them to the test in friendly competitions.

From obstacle courses and races to imaginative problem-solving missions, each session offers a fresh challenge that blends creativity, teamwork, and STEM skills. No prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to try something new!

The class is led by Scott Phillips, Director of Industry and Community Partnerships at UACCB, who is passionate about introducing kids to STEM. He believes the skills learned—like problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking—are tools they can carry forward and apply throughout their lives.

• Register by calling the Library at 870-793-8814
• The class runs from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
• It's held at the Library in downtown Batesville

This program is made possible through a collaboration between the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) and the Independence County Library, working together to spark curiosity, inspire learning, and make STEM fun for the next generation.

Although this class is full, please add your name to the Wait List. If there's enough interest, we'll add another session. Thanks!

Create custom garden markers and plant stakes that are as practical as they are personal. In this hands-on, beginner-friendly class, you’ll design and laser engrave durable plant tags and garden stakes using UACCB’s professional-grade laser engraver.

You’ll gain hands-on experience with laser engraving while learning essential safety practices, basic design principles, and how digital designs are translated into finished engraved products. This class also provides a great introduction for anyone interested in exploring laser engraving before investing in a machine of their own.

Designing for laser engraving

Participants will start by creating simple, clean designs using Canva, then learn how those designs are prepared and engraved using LightBurn—the industry-standard software for laser cutters and engravers.

What you’ll make and take home

By the end of class, you’ll take home a set of custom garden markers engraved with plant names, graphics, or your own creative touches—perfect for vegetable gardens, flower beds, or thoughtful handmade gifts.

Who should attend

This class is ideal for hobbyists, gardeners, and anyone curious about laser engraving. No prior design or laser experience is required.

Details

• Cost: $25 for community members, free for UACCB students, employees, and employee family members

• What to bring: Nothing! All materials are provided, and a computer will be available for use during class.

• Experience level: Beginner-friendly. No prior design or laser engraving experience is required.

• Age requirement: Participants must be at least 16 years old or accompanied by an adult.

• Software used: Canva (design) and LightBurn (laser control).

Register today!

This class is limited to 10 students. However, if the class is already full when you register, please add your name to the waitlist. If there is enough interest, we may offer additional sections.

This hands-on workshop teaches you how to start plants from seed for spring gardening: vegetables, herbs, flowers, and more!

Michelle Mobley, Independence County's Extension Agent, will walk you through the essentials of seed starting and provide all the materials needed to plant your trays. Bring your own seeds if you have favorite varieties you'd like to start.

Scott Phillips will also show how to build a simple, low-cost light rack using everyday hardware-store parts—a setup that gives seedlings the bright, steady light they need to grow sturdy and transplant-ready.

Experienced gardeners and new enthusiasts alike are welcome to join us. Children are welcome, too, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All supplies included. No experience necessary.

Date: Monday, February 23, 2026

Time: 6:00–7:30 PM

Location: UACCB Workforce Training Center (map)

Cost: FREE -  All supplies included

Build. Code. Create.

The Tween Robotics Club brings tweens, ages 9 to 12, together to take on exciting new engineering and programming challenges using LEGO® Spike Essentials robotics kits. Work with friends to design robots, program their movements, and put them to the test in friendly competitions.

From obstacle courses and races to imaginative problem-solving missions, each session offers a fresh challenge that blends creativity, teamwork, and STEM skills. No prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to try something new!

The class is led by Scott Phillips, Director of Industry and Community Partnerships at UACCB, who is passionate about introducing kids to STEM. He believes the skills learned—like problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking—are tools they can carry forward and apply throughout their lives.

• Register by calling the Library at 870-793-8814
• The class runs from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
• It's held at the Library in downtown Batesville

This program is made possible through a collaboration between the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) and the Independence County Library, working together to spark curiosity, inspire learning, and make STEM fun for the next generation.

Camp Dates and Times:

June 15-June 19, 2026

Program:

8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, M-F

Cost:

Join us for a fun-filled week at camp! The program fee of $250 covers snacks, a t-shirt, insurance, and other camp-related expenses.

Lunch is NOT provided. Remember to bring your own lunch. If this poses a financial challenge, please reach out to us before the camp starts so we can explore alternative arrangements.

Fees are due upon registration, but scholarships are available thanks to the generosity of our sponsors. Don't let finances stand in the way of a memorable camp experience!

Location:

This camp is held on the UACCB campus. More specific information will be provided 3 weeks prior to your arrival.

Please call us at 479-575-5657 or email engrcamp@uark.edu with any questions. 

Register Online Here for UA Engineering Summer Camp

Engineering Summer Camp offers current 5th through 6th grade students the opportunity to engineer like a professional. During this non-residential, week-long, full day program students will apply engineering concepts from multiple fields to a real world problem. This camp is hosted by the University of Arkansas College of Engineering. To learn more >> VIEW FLYER HERE

Where young makers turn ideas into real products.

Register today because this class is limited to only 15 students!

UACCB Maker Camp is a hands-on, youth-focused experience that blends making, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship. Students design, prototype, make, and market real products while learning how ideas become tangible, sellable goods.

Enrollment is open for children who are entering grades 5th through 8th Grade in the Fall of 2026.

For this year’s camp, and because Batesville is the Christmas Capital of Arkansas, participants will create laser-cut wooden Christmas ornaments!

Participants explore the full product-development process—from brainstorming ornament ideas and digital design to laser cutting, material testing, and branding. Campers work primarily with locally grown and milled wood, including eastern red cedar and red oak, learning how material properties such as thickness, strength, and durability influence design and manufacturing decisions.

Through guided, age-appropriate activities, students use precision tools like calipers, conduct simple material science experiments, and operate an industrial-grade BOSS LS3655 laser engraver/cutter in a supervised environment.

On the final day of camp, students tour a local manufacturing facility and celebrate their accomplishments with a Christmas in July party.

Beyond technical skills, UACCB Maker Camp emphasizes entrepreneurship and teamwork. Campers learn to calculate costs and collaborate to prepare products for sale, gaining insight into how creative ideas turn into sustainable ventures. Proceeds from product sales help fund scholarships for future UACCB youth programs, connecting student creativity to real community impact.

Designed for curious and creative students, UACCB Maker Camp combines engineering, design thinking, and business fundamentals into an engaging, project-based experience rooted in hands-on learning.

UACCB Maker Camp Details

• Monday, July 27 through Friday, July 31
• 8:00 a.m. to noon each day
• 5th through 8th Graders entering Fall 2026
• UACCB Workforce Training Center (campus map)
• $89 per student
• Includes t-shirt and snacks
• Tour of local manufacturing facility
• Students will take home an ornament they made
• Christmas in July party on the last day of camp

Register now >>

Discover the graceful and expressive language of sign language and learn to communicate with anyone, anywhere, just by using your hands! With this American Sign Language (ASL) course, you can unlock this rewarding ability and master communicating with Deaf people.

Throughout your online sign language training course, you will learn to fingerspell the alphabet, sign colors, numbers, objects, and family members. You will acquire a wide range of useful, everyday vocabulary that will enable you to engage in meaningful conversations with members of the Deaf community. Using video demonstrations, you will understand how to form correct signs and incorporate facial expressions to communicate beautifully in sign language.

Explore the history and usage of American Sign Language (ASL) and how to navigate the culture and social customs of the Deaf community. By the end of this sign language course, you will be confident and ready to participate in a conversation using the power of sign language.

Learn more about this online course >>