AWARD YEAR: 2022

PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF ROBESON COUNTY

DIRECTOR: SUSAN MILLER-HENDRIX

PROJECT TITLE: KIDS WHO CODE ROBOTICS

When I look at the faces of students in our district, I see the future. However many of our students will not have the same opportunities as others. How do we even start to prepare our students for jobs that have yet to be created? We start by giving all students a foundation in coding, programming, and robotics. The purpose of the "Kids Who Code Robotics" is to provide this opportunity for all second-grade students in our district. By focusing on the second grade, we are building upon a child's natural curiosity and helping lay the educational foundation by engaging them in rigorous grade-level instruction in computer science, coding, math, ELA, and Science. Using the FIRST program which builds on core values such as collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and how to respect others, we are preparing our students to be successful in the future. When I look at our students, I see their potential and want to offer them the same opportunities as other districts. This program is addressing the inequity that results from most robotic programs if they occur during summer camps or after school or in bigger, wealthier districts. Many of our students are not afforded the luxury of attending these events and therefore become even more underrepresented in STEM fields. This can lead to bright eager students who never see themselves in a STEM career. They never get the opportunity to learn and explain their learning to others. This program will allow all students access to robotic instruction and coding as well as give students the opportunity to explore STEM careers. Kids who Code Robotics may be the spark in the eye of a child that leads to the world's best discoveries. Why not our students, why not now?

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