01
Get drafted to a crew
You're placed on a crew of five with a student Crew Mentor who has your back. Your crew picks its own name.
Largo High School · After-School Tech League
Your first tech credential starts with showing up.
Join a crew of five. Clear six zones. Earn six badges. Finish with a real industry IT certification that employers recognize. No experience needed. It's free.
- $0to join
- 12weeks a session
- 6badges to earn
- 2industry credentials
When Mondays & Tuesdays · 2:30–4:00 PM
Where Room 105, Largo High School
Who Any student, grades 9–12
How it plays
It's a game. The prize is a career.
02
Run missions
Every meeting is hands-on: take apart a PC, build a network, crack a phishing escape room, write your first program.
03
Earn badges
Score 85% on a zone challenge and the badge is yours. Miss it? Study up and take your second shot.
04
Lift your crew
Points go to your crew, not a leaderboard of names. When everyone finishes the mission, the whole crew gets a bonus.
Six zones · Six badges
Clear every zone. Unlock the exam.
01
Decoder
Binary, hex and how computers think
02
Builder
Hardware, networks and Wi-Fi
03
Operator
Operating systems, apps and AI
04
Coder
Logic, flowcharts and your first code
05
Keeper
Data, databases and backups
06
Guardian
Passwords, encryption and spotting scams
The six zones line up with the six domains on the CompTIA Tech+ exam, so every mission counts toward the credential.
What you walk away with
Real credentials. Real bragging rights.
CompTIA Tech+
An entry-level IT certification employers know. You take the exam at the end of your session. Exam fees are covered.
Cisco CCST IT Support
Passed Tech+? Come back in the spring for a second credential, one that's on Maryland's approved list.
Crew glory
Crews compete for the First Badge Cup. Champion Crews earn a Championship Trip in May, and everyone celebrates at the Cup ceremony.
Join in three steps
Ready? Claim your spot.
Crews for Session 1 lock after Tuesday, October 13. Each session takes 30 students. Missed it? Session 2 starts Monday, January 25, 2027.
- Find your zone. A 60-second quiz shows which badge fits you and your crew role.
- Send your sign-up from your PGCPS student email. One tap, already filled in.
- Your parent signs the permission slip online, then you show up in Room 105.
Or just come to Room 105 and tell Mr. James or Ms. Scott you want in.
Questions
Before you ask…
I've never done anything with computers. Can I still join?
Yes. That's who First Badge is built for. Zone 1 starts with what a bit and a byte are.
Does it cost anything?
No. Joining is free and exam fees are covered. Nobody is ever required to pay or raise money to take part.
I play a sport or have another activity. Can I still do this?
Yes. Every mission is also online, so you can catch up from home if you miss a meeting.
Do I have to be in P-TECH?
No. First Badge is open to every Largo student in grades 9–12.
Will my scores be posted?
Never by name. Only crew names and crew scores go on the board. Your own scores stay between you, your family and your sponsors.
What if I don't pass a badge challenge the first time?
You work through a Study Path with your Crew Mentor, then take your second try. Nobody gets left behind.