Creating programs to engage the future generation into STEM in underserved communities can have successful impacts and help grow these smaller communities into larger and more advanced developments. In this project, Nicole Ortuno intends to create a robotics introduction program that actively involves and excites underrepresented students within homeless shelters.
Via bi-weekly lessons, she hopes to introduce these students to the robotics kits and teach them different aspects of creating robots: programming, electrical, and mechanical. Using robotic kits from education equipment companies, we provide a hands-on approach to let the students try many different creative ideas on their own. On the final day of the program, we will hold a fun competition in which a team of students will create their own robots in order to truly showcase what they have learned.
- Timeline: April – August 2022
- Key Members: Nicole Ortuno, Nico Cardenas
- Goal: Have a larger impact within the CornerStones club and local homeless shelters to create a solid group of competition kids who have passions in learning about robotic engineering and automation. By providing resources such as educational tools and free lessons, this committed group of children students will gain knowledge and leadership skills within STEM.
- Result-To-Date: On July 31st, 2022, we hosted a fun competition, the “RoVersity Roboball” event, in which a team of students created their own robots to truly showcase what they have learned during the program. Nine children aged 7-11 participated in this competition with more than 60 parents, social service staff, college student club members, and young professionals cheering on their success.
