Reality Capture Education: Transforming Lives through Technology

Organizational Background The Reality Capture Technology Center (RCTC) has a long-standing commitment to STEAM education in the San Jose community. From 2012 to 2019, RCTC hosted its annual Reality Capture Summer Engineering Camp at History Park in San Jose, where middle school to young adult students gained hands-on experience with emerging technologies, including engineering programs and laser scanning, all within a historic setting. Although RCTC officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2019, its origins trace back to a volunteer-led initiative spearheaded by the current Executive Director, Brian Miller. The organization flourished through community partnerships, passionate mentorship, and student-centered programming focused on game creation. In early 2020, plans were underway to launch RCTC’s inaugural year-round afterschool program. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting public health mandates led to the indefinite suspension of all in-person activities. Despite this hiatus, RCTC maintained its nonprofit status and continued to seek opportunities to serve students when the time was right. In January 2025, RCTC formally reactivated its programs in response to renewed community needs. Recognizing the widening gaps in STEM education and the necessity for innovative learning pathways, we re-established our operations to support students and families while strengthening the educational ecosystem in Silicon Valley and beyond.

The Reality Capture Technology Center introduces students to engineering programs through hands-on projects that benefit the community. 

Why We’re Teaching Students To Laser Scan

Their Way to the Future By the Reality Capture Technology Center. California has a global reputation as a hub for innovation, home to world-changing companies and the 8th largest economy on the planet. But here's a truth we can’t afford to ignore: our education system is failing too many of our kids. California high schools rank 38th in math, and 37th overall. Three out of every ten high school students aren't meeting graduation standards. Those numbers aren’t just statistics—they reflect a daily reality for students, especially in underserved and minority communities. It's not just unfair. It's unsustainable. How can we expect to lead the world in innovation when we can’t provide basic education to the next generation? At the Reality Capture Technology Center, we believe communities don't have to wait for education reform to take effect. We can act now. Our solution? Teach students the tools of the future, today. We created a STEAM Education program where middle and high school students learn hands-on reality capture technology. That includes laser scanning, HD photography, photogrammetry, and drone imaging—the same tools used in architecture, 3D game creation, construction, urban planning, and even movie special effects. Students don’t just learn theory. They work in teams on real projects, capturing and modeling buildings and sites with millimeter accuracy. They leave our program not only inspired but equipped—with real-world skills they can take into college or directly into the workforce. Right now, we’re building a new student computer lab—where participants can learn to process reality capture data and master industry-standard software. It's a key step in expanding our impact and making sure this isn’t just a one-time experience, but a pipeline to careers in engineering, design, and beyond. Our advisory board is made up of educators, architects, parents, and professionals, all passionate about one thing: giving students the chance to thrive in a tech-driven world. We believe this isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a necessary one. And we’re inviting you to be part of it. Whether you're an educator, industry expert, funder, or community member, there’s room at the table. Together, we can stop waiting for change—and start building it. Want to get involved? Contact us to learn more about volunteering, donating, or partnering with the Reality Capture Technology Center.