NSBE SEEK students stand with their final projects in the AI and Robotics STEM Camp

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Nationwide AI and Robotics STEM Camp Inspired Hundreds of Students

This past summer, an AI and Robotics STEM Camp sparked curiosity and excitement in students across the country. The camps were hosted by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). These camps introduced over 600 young learners to the world of AI, coding, and robotics, inspiring the next generation of innovators.

Team of students building their robot, mBot2

The Story Behind the AI and Robotics STEM Camp

The AI and Robotics STEM Camp began as a vision to empower young minds, particularly those from underrepresented communities. We wanted to give them the skills and inspiration to explore careers in engineering and STEM. Spearheaded by the dedicated directors at the National Society for Black Engineers (NSBE), the SEEK program brought together a passionate team of educators, volunteers, and industry partners. They shared a common goal: to ignite a sense of wonder in the next generation of engineers, coders, and problem-solvers.

The camps were designed to be both fun and educational. They offered grade 3 through 6 students a chance to dive into hands-on learning in robotics, coding, and artificial intelligence. Held during the summer months, these AI and Robotics STEM Camps provided an engaging escape from the traditional classroom. Textbooks were replaced with robots and theory with real-world applications. With a hybrid format, students could join either in-person at locations in Atlanta, Houston, Chicago, and Washington D.C., or virtually, making the program accessible to hundreds of students nationwide, and a few international students.

NSBE SEEK Mentor kneeling next to a town prototype for the AI and Robotics Project

How a Dedicated Team Made This Camp A Success

What made these AI and Robotics STEM Camps truly special was their approach to learning. Each day was a mix of interactive sessions and collaborative projects. Guided by mentors who served as part teacher, part role model, and part coach. These mentors—often university students and professionals in STEM fields—brought a wealth of knowledge and a personal touch, helping students see themselves in future STEM careers. They led by example, showing that anyone, regardless of background, could dream big and achieve in the world of technology.  

The camps thrived with the support of a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers. The camp marketing, planning, registrations, logistics, and daily schedules were managed by NSBE’s experienced leadership team and staff of educators.

EDforTech was honored to provide the necessary school and art supplies, software, and robotics kits. We ensured that both in-person and online participants had access to cutting-edge technology. Our team of STEM curriculum developers crafted a unique set of lessons around AI and robotics with slide decks that could be delivered by the mentors in person and virtually. (view curriculum overview here). Additionally, EDforTech’s experienced STEM educators provided professional development for the mentors. 

With the combined efforts of these remarkable people, the AI and Robotics STEM Camps were not just about learning robotics. They were about creating a community where students could explore, innovate, and imagine a future filled with possibilities.

How the AI and Robotics STEM Camp Worked: A Daily Breakdown of the Experience

The AI and Robotics STEM Camp program was offered over 3 weeks, with students attending 4 hours a day for 15 days (M-F).

  • Week 1: Cyber Pi and AI with Innovations Kits to design a smart home.
  • Week 2: mBot2 using IOT as the theme to build a robot solution to a real-world problem.
  • Week 3: CoDrone mini with both flying and coding of drones for a purpose.

Each week followed a similar schedule: 

  • Day 1: Introduction and Orientation
    • The AI and Robotics STEM Camp kicked off with a welcome session and icebreakers to build community among participants. Students were introduced to the camp’s objectives, focusing on using the week’s device (mBot 2 robot, CyberPi with AI/IoT capabilities, or CoDrone) to solve real-world problems.
  • Day 2: Learning the Fundamentals and Inquiry
    • Students engaged in hands-on workshops, learning the basics of engineering and robotics. Working in teams, they began exploring the technology’s potential and capabilities.
  • Day 3: Problem Solving and Innovation
    • Teams came together to identify challenges in their communities that could be addressed with their robots or device. This day was all about collaboration, critical thinking, and applying what they had already learned.
  • Day 4: Coding and Real-World Applications
    • Students dove deeper into advanced coding applications, discovering how these technologies are used in various industries. Guest speakers shared insights into tech careers, broadening students’ horizons and showing the real-world impact of skills learned at the AI and Robotics STEM Camp.
  • Day 5: Showcase and Celebration

The final day was a celebration of creativity and achievement. Students presented their projects, showcasing robots designed to solve community problems. Highlights included a search and rescue robot for park safety and a trash collection robot tackling pollution on land, sea, and space. 

The week ended on a high note, with mentors recognized for their dedication and students proud of their accomplishments at the AI and Robotics STEM Camp.

NSBE SEEK students stand with their final projects in the AI and Robotics STEM Camp

The Power of Partnership: How We Made the AI and Robotics STEM Camp Happen

The success of the NSBE SEEK AI and Robotics STEM Camp was the result of months of dedicated planning and collaboration. Teams from multiple organizations, including educators, industry experts, and volunteers, came together to meticulously design every aspect of the camp. These planning sessions involved countless hours of coordination, brainstorming, and problem-solving. This dedicated effort was to ensure that every student had a valuable and engaging experience. The several year ongoing partnership between NSBE and EdforTech was essential, providing not just the technology and resources, but also the expertise that made the camp a standout success. It was truly a collective effort, fueled by a shared commitment to inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.

Funding for the camps was another collaborative partnership. NSBE received financial support from corporate sponsors like Trane, Chevron, and Target, making the camps accessible to all students.

How to Emulate the AI and Robotics STEM Camp Model: FAQs

Celebrating Success and Inspiring Future Innovators

The success of NSBE’s AI and Robotics STEM Camps is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. By engaging students in hands-on, real-world learning, these camps build confidence, creativity, and future-ready skills. We encourage other educators and non-profits to explore similar initiatives. Remember, the impact goes beyond a camp experience —it’s about empowering the next generation of thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers.

Interested in starting your own AI and Robotics STEM Camp or partnering with us? Contact our STEM Specialists today to learn how you can get involved. Ignite the spark of innovation in your students and watch them achieve amazing things!

EDforTech

STEM education encourages the next generation of engineers, technologists, scientists, and artists. Our team of STEM experts are here to support you in implementing meaningful K-12 learning experiences that empower students and educators. 

Request more information today about how you can incorporate STEM learning at your school and increase student achievement.

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