GRIT Foundation

GRIT WORKSHOPS

Real Tools. Real Questions. Real Learning.

GRIT Workshops bring the trades to life in a practical, engaging, and accessible way.

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These are hands-on classroom sessions (different than our GRIT camps) led by Ty Branaman, where students and participants do not just hear about the trades, they experience the science, problem-solving, and meaning behind them. They ask questions, test ideas, and begin to understand how the world around them actually works.

At GRIT, we believe the trades are about more than jobs. They are about building skills, solving problems, and taking pride in meaningful work.

GRIT offers three workshops, each designed to last two hours. We travel to host locations and can discuss scheduling up to two sessions per day.

What Makes GRIT Workshops Different

We focus on doing, not just talking.

Participants use real demonstrations and simple tools to explore how things work. Sessions are interactive, question-driven, and built around curiosity and critical thinking.

We also place a strong emphasis on mentorship where we encourage students, educators, and industry professionals to communicate, solve problems together, and build respect across generations.

Our approach is simple

  • Ask questions.
  • Try things.
  • Build skills.

Workshop Topics

Making the Invisible Visible: Science that Powers the Trades

Hands-on demonstrations that reveal airflow, pressure, heat, and energy

Designed for middle schoolers

The House as a System: Building Science Explorer

Understanding how building systems work, air, water, electricity, and structure

Designed for high schoolers

Mentorship That Works: Bridging Generations Through Curiosity

Mentorship and communication using the Socratic method

Designed for tradespeople

Become a GRIT host

Hosting a workshop is a simple way to introduce people to the trades and support learning in your community. We recommend 4–6 weeks of preparation, with timing negotiable with GRIT.

Workshops are recommended for up to 20 students per session. Volunteers do not count toward that number, and the host may involve as many volunteers as they choose. Plan a space that safely accommodates everyone.

You need a suitable space and a group willing to learn.

Interest Form

What you need to host

MOST HOSTS PROVIDE

  • A classroom, shop, or meeting space
  • Tables and seating
  • Few additional materials as needed

GRIT PROVIDES

  • The instructor
  • Workshop materials and demonstrations
  • Setup guidance and support

Past GRIT Workshop Hosts

Let's Build Something Together

If you are interested in bringing a GRIT Workshop to your school, organization, or community, we would love to connect. These workshops are about building confidence, learning how things work, and gaining respect for skilled work.

WORKSHOP INTEREST FORM

PDF For Hosts

Student Recruitment Guide

A successful workshop starts with recruiting the right audience and sharing your registration materials consistently. Use this guide for tips and tricks on how to get the right audience at your workshop.

View guide

Chart For Hosts

GRIT Camps vs Workshops

A visual chart of what separates a GRIT Workshop from a GRIT Camp.

View chart

Flyer For Hosts

GRIT Workshop Flyer

An overview of the mission behind our workshops along with the different workshop sessions we offer.

View flyer

Deck For Hosts

Workshop Host Guide Deck

A presentation outlining what is expected of a workshop host.

View deck

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