Exciting advances are opening young minds to infinite possibilities in the way of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). And, afterschool programs throughout the Central Valley offer a distinct way of complementing regular school-day curriculum. One profound way programs across the nation are giving STEM learning a boost is through robotics programs–specifically through the For Inspiration & Recognition of Science & Technology (FIRST) programs.

Robotics is not always what you think: too technical, only for high achievers or for kids interested in creating robotic science fiction creatures. While students aren’t creating alien robots to take over the universe, they may just discover how they can make a difference in the world.

“[Students] are involved in an innovation process and we encourage the students to fail forward. Chances are, one of these students will go on to invent something that will change the world,” said Dr. Devin Blizzard, CEO, of the Center for Academic Research and Technology (CART) and senior mentor for Central Valley FIRST Robotics (CVRobotics).

For afterschool leaders, students and school personnel who wonder if such programs will help their students, Blizzard can offer numerous examples of how robotics curriculum transforms students regardless of their cultural background, socioeconomic status, gender or current grades.

Local Afterschool Success
Several schools throughout the Central Valley have participated in afterschool robotics programs. For example, Olmos Elementary and American Union Elementary schools in Fresno and Washington Colony Elementary School in Easton have run robotics programs for more than 45 afterschool students combined.

Martin Suarez, Executive Director of SoluNet, helps leaders coach some of the robotics programs at the elementary school sites. He says students are excited to use their imagination to create robots.

“It can inspire students to pursue careers in engineering and technology in the future,” Suarez adds.

Afterschool leader and robotics instructor, Poa Her is quick to say how his program was a huge success.

“Growing up, I didn’t get to play with this stuff. [The students] were wowed by it,” Her said.

Her spearheaded a robotics program for After School University (ASU) at the CSU Fresno campus. In partnership with ASU, the Office of Community Based Learning (CBL) at CSU Fresno purchased five FIRST Lego Robotics kits while providing training and support for five university students to teach the robotics classes. Fourth through eighth grade students from 10 afterschool programs throughout the Central Valley ultimately benefitted from the program.

During the month-long course, students focused on the theme, “Green City–How to Make Fresno Greener.”  According to Her, the diverse group of students focused on lessons that included building windmills and learning about green energy. Students found themselves actively engaged in geometry, measurements, rotations, and basic physics while having fun building a working robot. They weren’t the only ones who enjoyed the lessons.

“For me, I love Legos. I loved teaching about Lego robotics,” Her said.

Robotics Program History
The FIRST program was founded in New Hampshire in 1989 by inventor and entrepreneur, Dean Kamen. It aims to offer inspiration to youth interested in science and technology. While building self-confidence, the not-for-profit organization motivates students to explore educational and career opportunities in STEM.

Since its inception, FIRST has branched out to include groups worldwide with more than 294,000 students—from ages six to 18—participating in four categories: the Junior FIRST Lego League; the FIRST Lego League; FIRST Tech Challenge; FIRST Robotics Competition. These students form a team, purchase a “kit”, and in six-weeks, build an autonomous robot using modern technology and, in some categories, Legos. Each project is based on a year-long theme and students compete in tournaments throughout the world for scholarship money.

The scholarship money is an added bonus. Blizzard believes the greater reward is what students gain while working together on these projects. He is passionate about how this program can elevate Central Valley students in STEM learning. 

“Students need experiences that are hands-on. Problem solving can’t be learned through reading text in a book. It’s limited. With robotics, students are engaged with 3D electronics and artificial intelligence. It’s a higher level challenge,” he said.

Blizzard adds that students cannot successfully build a robot in isolation. They are all integral members of a team.

Local Robotics in Central Valley
Launched in 2003, Blizzard says the mission of CVRobotics, much like FIRST,  is to have valley communities, businesses, schools, educators, students, parents, and volunteers come together to advance student opportunities in the fields of science and technology. More than 100 Central Valley elementary and high school teams compete throughout the state, vying for scholarship money while working with industry experts in the field of science, math, technology, and engineering. Blizzard says they are currently working on hosting the first ever Central Valley Yosemite Robotics Tournament for high school students at some point during the 2011/12 school year. 

“It would be huge” said Blizzard, who has watched more than 900 students compete from the Central Valley in the past seven years.

In the past, high school teams throughout the Central Valley have had to travel to Los Angeles or Sacramento to compete. This means that Central Valley students who may not have had the ability to travel to northern or southern California, now have to opportunity to compete right in their backyard.

Blizzard also knows first-hand the benefits of how these programs can give hope to students who thought designing and building robots was a far-fetched notion. Years ago, Blizzard worked with at-risk youth from the east side of San Jose.

“If it weren’t for FIRST, these students would have been gang members. This program gave them a new way to define themselves,” he said.

Many of Blizzard’s students went on to acquire internships with NASA-Ames and Hewlett-Packard. One student was accepted at and studied in the engineering program at UC Berkeley.

Starting a Group
With such successful outcomes for robotics as STEM curriculum, what does an afterschool program need to do to forge ahead and open doors for students through a robotics program? Though it costs roughly 70 dollars per student to form a 10-person team, purchase a kit, and register for a tournament, according to Blizzard, there is an incredible amount of financial support available.

After a team is identified, an afterschool leader is selected and a coach is assigned, the program can begin raising funds. Many teams have received financial support from their school, parent groups, and local businesses. The outcome is worth the effort.  

There is still time to start a spring robotics program. For more information on where to find robotics resources, training and how to get started, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (559) 326-2055.

For more information:
www.cvrobotics.org
www.firstlegoleague.org