Texas Border Business –
(Edinburg, Texas) (April 11, 2016) The seventh annual National Robotics Week kicked off April 2 and Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV was a part of the – more than 250 celebrations – taking place across all 50 states. Established in 2010 by Congress and iRobot, National Robotics Week raises awareness around the importance of education focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), and the role these subjects play in shaping the future of our society’s youth, industry and the U.S. economy.
Throughout the weeklong celebration over four hundred club members got an up close and personal look at how robotics are changing the world.
From interacting with robots, to programming them, there was a little bit of everything to do.
Many believe the progress that robots have made so far shows the potential robotics can have in the future.
“I think in the next 5-10 years you’re going to start to see the real benefits of robotics start to take hold. Robotics right now are doing things such as guided systems, self-driving cars, too delivering medicines in hospitals. There are a lot of things that we can do, but I think we’ve only just scratched the surface,” said STEM Intern, Michael Acevedo.
The daily demonstrations also showcased how robots are used in research, manufacturing, and education. The week ended with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Institute of Electronic & Electrical Engineers Edinburg Chapter showcasing how circuits are integrated into robotics.
“National Robotics Week events offered all our club members the unique opportunities to interact with robots in hands-on learning environments,” said Sabrina Walker Hernandez, CEO. “We encourage our club members to explore design and program. I can think of no better way to inspire them to pursue technology-related fields than exposing them to the excitement of robotics.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV for current school year has implemented Robo Tech a 8 week fun and educational robotics program that introduces club members to the field of robotics and its ancillary components of electronics, mechanics and software. To date over 100 club members have participated and built robots and 15 have competed in the First Robotics First Lego League.
Since 1969, the Boys & Girls Club has played an integral role in the Edinburg community, providing daily programs and services to over 18,000 young people. During the School year the Club is open Monday – Friday, 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and during the summer the hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. On all ECISD holidays and teachers work days the Legacy Center is open 7:30 am – 5:30 p.m. The Club has moved its main site and administration to its new building the Legacy Center located at 702 Cullen Street (Rogers and 281). The Club offers programs that emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sport, fitness and recreation. If you would like to learn more about our scheduled activities call 956.383.2582 or visit our website www.edinburgkids.com. If you would like to make a contribution please contact Sabrina Walker Hernandez, Chief Executive Officer at 956.383.2582 or email swalker@edinburgkids.com or you can text “CLUB” to 20222 to donate $5.00. A one-time donation of $5.00 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Donor must be age 18+ and all donations must be authorized by the account holder (e.g. parents). By texting YES, the user agrees to the terms and conditions. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the “BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF EDINBURG RGV” by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t. Message & Data Rates May Apply. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to short code “20222”; text HELP to “20222” for help or visit www.hmgf.org/t. Message and data rates may apply.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg Rio Grande Valley is a proud City of Edinburg partner and a United Way of South Texas Agency.
