Robo Crew offers robotics opportunities to Kenosha students

The Kenosha Robo Crew is bringing STEM and robotics to elementary and middle school students in Kenosha.

Thanks to a partnership between Jockey, Sylvan Learning, the YMCA, Shoreland Lutheran High School and the Kenosha Emerging Leaders Academy, students are learning how to build and program a robot, which is then used in competitions and tournaments.

Through the YMCA Achievers program and Sylvan Learning, a full group of elementary school students from Frank and Brass elementary schools and the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha are already part of the Robo Crew

“We’re excited to see it actually in motion and seeing kids utilize robotics,” said Jockey Chief Philanthropy Officer Jake McGhee. “It’s fun anytime you start off with something that’s an idea, and then to actually see kids with the controllers and having the robots moving is another thing.”

McGhee said the program is also a great way to utilize the newly renovated KELA. “This is a good showcase of the types of events and activities that can be taking place in this newly renovated space,” he said.

Luke Roberts, 15, said he enjoys building the robot and seeing the final product.

“I like robots because the aspect of something being so advanced is really cool,” he said. 

VEX robotics will continue to be introduced by Shoreland Lutheran to the YMCA Teen Achievers at the KELA and the Kenosha YMCA.

“We know the benefits that a program like this can bring and really casting a vision for the future,” said Shoreland Lutheran President Paul Scriver. “That’s what we hope for, that they can see there’s something out there for them that can be a really positive thing.”

YMCA Executive Director Cindy Altergott said the Robo Crew brings “coolness” to the math, science and reading they learn in school.

“I think that’s what sparks interest in kids to then pursue it further in a more serious way through school and through higher education,” she said.

The program has been in the works since the 2022-23 academic year, when McGhee wanted to bring more STEM opportunities to the Uptown, Lincoln Park and adjacent neighborhoods.

“Bringing opportunities to an area and to kids that might not have those opportunities otherwise is exactly the type of thing we want to be a part of and help create,” McGhee said. “The main concept was to get a pipeline of STEM activities and robotics specifically for elementary school kids through middle school and potentially up to high school.”