Austin Mesh Community Partners

Austin Independent School District (AISD)

Austin Mesh is excited to partner with the Austin Independent School District (AISD) to bring hands-on STEM learning to students in Northeast Austin. Through this collaboration, we’re empowering young minds to explore wireless communication, electronics, and programming using Meshtastic devices.

Check out the details of the HART MLI on the AISD website

Meshtastic STEM Learning Initiative

The Meshtastic STEM Learning Initiative was created by teacher Raul Vallejo to introduce students in grades 4–12 to real-world applications of wireless mesh networking. Using open-source LoRa (Long Range) technology, students engage in hands-on activities that foster problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation.

Why It Matters

Many students, especially those in underserved communities, lack access to STEM education and hands-on technology programs. This initiative bridges that gap by providing opportunities to:

• Learn the fundamentals of wireless communication technology.
• Gain practical experience in electronics and coding by building their own mesh networks.
• Develop critical thinking and collaboration skills through real-world problem-solving challenges.
• Explore careers in technology, communication, and software development.

Program Highlights

The program follows a structured, three-phase approach to maximize student engagement:

1. Introduction to Wireless Communication: Students explore radio frequencies, LoRa technology, and the basics of mesh networking.
2. Hands-On Workshops: Students assemble, configure, and program their own Meshtastic devices, gaining hands-on experience with hardware and software.
3. Real-World Applications: Students use their networks to solve practical challenges, such as emergency communication scenarios or environmental monitoring.

Building a Lasting Impact

With continued support, the Meshtastic STEM Learning Initiative aims to create long-term educational benefits by equipping schools with resources to sustain the program beyond the initial rollout. We’re actively working with AISD educators, local businesses, and community organizations to expand STEM opportunities for students in Austin.

Interested in supporting this initiative? Starting a STEM program and seeking a grant in your school system? Get in touch to learn how you can help expand STEM education!

University of Texas at Austin

The node at UT Austin is located on top of the Physics, Math, and Astronomy building on the South face at ~80m above ground providing coverage for most of the UT Austin campus.

This rooftop is saturated with antennas, including the local police and fire radios, requiring a special buildout that includes an RF filter to prevent those high power antennas from interfering with our low power network. You can read more about the project here.

The Independent Condos

There are two nodes installed at The Independent, one on the northeast corner and one on the southwest. Because the building’s exterior cage blocks RF signal and no roof or wall penetrations are allowed, custom mounting solutions with 3D-printed parts were designed to meet these constraints. Together, the nodes provide coverage across a massive portion of Austin, reaching as far as parts of Dripping Springs, Cedar Park, and Leander.

The Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA)

The radio at LASA is hosted on their rooftop and graciously supported by LASA Amateur Radio Club. While the antenna and position change slightly from time to time for experiments, it provides coverage for a significant portion of East, South East, and even some areas of South West Austin.