Lego robotics camp

What is STEM?

That question reverberated amongst the students and several parents this Spring. Paths To Success, a community action group committed to inspire, motivate, and support Black and Biracial youth. Collaborating with Dr. Fuehne at Purdue Polytechnic and BCSC, 19 students, ages 9-14 were introduced, to their first STEM Camp, conducted at East High School. The Camp was underwritten by the AAFBC.

Initially, the students were uncertain of their abilities in this area. By the end of day one, they had built and programed simple robots. Each morning, students charged into the building eager to program the robots for increasingly challenging tasks. In addition to learning about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, students honed their problem-solving skills through teamwork while exhibiting perseverance and adaptability. The camp provided new insight into possible career opportunities.

The week culminated in a competition where the students were able to run their robots through a series of time-based tasks while their families cheered them on. Students were rewarded with LEGO sets. Dr. Fuehne provided much-needed guidance and encouragement to the students. He noted that in the 15 years that he has conducted the camp, in multiple cities, this was the first session that had Black participants. Fuehne quipped, “I hope it becomes an annual event!”. We do too!