At Sledgehammer Academy, we're breaking down walls & forging a new path in tech education.
In a world fixated on grades, test scores, and admission to prestigious universities, we've seen too many people that have accumulated an impressive set of qualifications, but are completely unprepared & unqualified in all but the barest sense to do good work. It's a rampant problem across pretty much everywhere in society today, from software startups to schools.
We think the solution is bringing up more artisans. We believe in nurturing skills & values that are far more valuable and impactful than impressive-looking credentials: the ability to think critically, take action, and work collaboratively to do good work & make a positive impact. By fostering creativity, agency, meaningful ambition, and responsibility, we're preparing our students not just for careers, but for lives as engaged, capable citizens in a rapidly changing world.
If you're looking for a way to learn the basics, we can help you get started!
Prep for your exams with subject matter experts.
"The road to success as an adult is paved with the things that made you weird as a kid" - so let's figure out how to leverage your unique you-ness and get you where you want to go in life.
Feeling a little lost? Let's work together to figure out a path that makes sense for you to explore.
If you've been invited to learn more about a pilot program or invite-only offering, here's where you can get access to your information.
Or, if you got a business card from me with a random word scribbled on it, this is what it's for.
Founded by software artisan, seasoned community educator & mentor, and armchair philosopher Brad Thompson, Sledgehammer Academy offers a unique blend of programming, IT, communication, and leadership training for young minds in the Lafayette & West Lafayette area who are eager to shape the future.
At Sledgehammer Academy, we cultivate tomorrow's innovators through two fundamental & interwoven paths: technical mastery and holistic life & leadership skill development. Our approach is rooted in self-directed learning, empowering students to become not just skilled practitioners, but thoughtful, engaged citizens ready to shape a better world.
Whether you're a 4th grader ready to advance beyond playing with Scratch, a group of high schoolers with entrepreneurial aspirations, or someone looking to harness technology to pursue your not-obviously-technical passions, our technical training offerings provide deep, hands-on experience. All of our classes & lessons are facilitated by legit technology enthusiasts who are passionate about their work & sharing their craft with others.
But technical skills alone don't create positive change. That's why our leadership and personal development programs focus on building real skills & deep knowledge - not just impressive credentials. Through intensive mentoring, collaborative projects, and real-world challenges, we cultivate critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and a deep sense of responsibility. Our students learn to manage themselves, lead teams, communicate effectively, and most importantly, to question deeply and think independently.
At Sledgehammer Academy, we're developing artisans in the truest sense - people who combine technical excellence with wisdom, creativity, and a commitment to making things better. We believe the world needs more than just programmers or managers; it needs thoughtful craftspeople who understand both the how and the why of their work, who can navigate complexity with grace, and who feel a genuine responsibility to contribute positively to society.
Join us at Sledgehammer Academy, where we're not just learning to code - we're coding to learn, to grow, and to change the world.
