Philadelphia Budget Cuts Spawn High School Robotics Club

Jan. 16, 2012 - PRLog -- An overwhelming majority of future jobs in our country are focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).  However, in 2011 the Philadelphia Public School System cancelled more than 15 robotics clubs.  

Realizing the importance of STEM skills for the future workforce, volunteers from several schools organized a community team to ensure that any Philadelphia student who would like to begin or continue their participation in robotics still can.

According to a University of Virginia report, students that participate in extracurricular STEM activities at least a few times a year are 50 percent more likely to follow a STEM-related career path.  

Founded in 2011, the Atomic Robotics 4-H robotics club from Masterman High School aims to offer students from any Philadelphia school the opportunity to explore new technical areas and inspire students to pursue careers in STEM related fields.

Each year, high school youth compete in the annual For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Competition, and learn how to build and operate robots, and how to tackle real world technical problems to shape their futures.

“Despite the economic hardship of our school district, we have created an environment which exposes students to technical fields, and are awakening a fascination among them in engineering, math and science,” said JJ Biel-Goebel, a mentor for Atomic Robotics and engineering lead at Boeing for Chinook Affordability.  

In addition to learning how to build and operate a robot, the students are learning invaluable lessons such as teamwork, problem solving, and leadership skills.  

"I wanted to see my ideas come to life and to compete and build on a higher level," said Max Weber, a member of Masterman High School Atomic Robotics 4-H club.  “I am involved in a competitive and team situation that not only improves my life and future career down the road, but also gives me a better understanding of what I may want to do.”

About Atomic Robotics
The Atomic Robotics 4-H club is an opportunity for students from any Philadelphia school to explore new technical areas and enjoy after school camaraderie. Started in 2011, the goal of the robotics club is to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) related fields.  With some help from mentors in the field, teachers, and online resources, students engage in the production of robots.  This process not only ends with the creation of a robot, but also succeeds in increasing self-confidence, improving communication skills, improving leadership skills, and developing character.  Working with their peers and mentors, students gain valuable social and technical skills.

For more information:
Contact:  Jacqui Seidel
Phone:  215.564.0711 x 16
Email:  jseidel@odmgrp.com

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To prepare the next generations of Philadelphia students to succeed academically in science, technology, engineering and mathematics via robotics, competition, teamwork and fun.