Clear answers before you start.

It is designed for teens roughly 12 to 18 who can read instructions, use a browser, and work through a few focused build sessions. Parent judgment matters more than a rigid age cutoff.

No. They need curiosity, basic computer independence, and willingness to make a small first version. The goal is not professional programming. It is learning the builder loop.

A laptop or desktop with a current browser and reliable internet is recommended. Phone-only building is not recommended. Chromebook support depends on the approved build tool selected for the course.

No. You approve accounts, sharing, purchases, and personal information. Bud provides the technical path, project instructions, safety boundaries, and rescue tools.

No. Students choose the problem, define the scope, direct AI, inspect what it creates, test the result, fix mistakes, and explain their work. AI assists the process. It does not own the thinking.

No online learning environment is risk-free. First Build uses parent-aware boundaries: approved project types, no public chat or payments, privacy rules, parent approval before publishing, and clear guidance on what should never go into AI tools.

Plan for three focused build sessions over a weekend. A student who wants more time can move more slowly. Finishing a small project matters more than racing through.

For the initial launch, each student should have their own project record and parent approval. Household access for the Build Year is not promised until the platform, privacy, and support process are finalized.

Eligible purchasers can join the August beta. The first paid Homegrown Builders Build Year starts October 5, 2026. A paid First Build purchase is credited toward the $497 founding Build Year tuition.