BGC robotics programs open career paths for local youth

Article content

Abby is a remarkable Grade 12 student who is sure to impress with her knowledge of technology and mechanics. In 2022, Abby learned many of these skills when she joined the Machine Mavericks, a local high school robotics team that competes in the FIRST Canada championships and runs out of the Kingston Robotics Lab, now operated by the Boys and Girls Club (BGC South East).

Article content

“I was a bit hesitant to join the robotics team; I was not sure what to expect,” Abby remembers. “In my first year, I played a role in programming the robot’s arm. So I learned a lot about coding and different software. Joining the team has been so rewarding and given me so much. … I wish I had joined earlier.”

Article content

The learning goes beyond technical skills, as robotics participants need to work in teams, plan community events, hold fundraisers and present to a panel of judges. To Abby’s mother, the teamwork aspect is key. “Learning is social and experiential,” Heather says. “Technical skills will get you so far, but kids also need the people skills to articulate ideas, manage their time and work well in a team.”

Volunteer mentors are essential to the success of the Robotics Lab and skill training of youth.

Article content

Article content

“The mentors open up the world for the participants,” Heather remarks. “We know there is a wealth of research showing the benefits of quality mentor relationships to a young person. At the lab, youth are surrounded by mentors of different backgrounds that light up their journeys with different knowledge.”

Abby’s dedication led her to take on the role of strategy lead for the team these past two seasons. “This year, I focused on developing leadership skills combined with hardware skills, which gave me a new perspective,” she says. “I learned to use technology and machinery, such as a CNC mill, a drill press and band saws.”

The Kingston Robotics Lab is the largest in Canada and holds a full machine shop that includes 3D printers, steel cutters, woodworking equipment, a welding station and more. The Boys and Girls Club acquired the lab in the fall of 2023 when entrepreneur Niall O’Driscoll bestowed the assets to the club to fulfil a vision of expanding science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and robotics programming to thousands of local youth.

Article content

“The addition of the Robotics Lab to our portfolio opened up a new stream of educational program offerings that provide unique hands-on learning experiences for children and youth,” says Scott Compeau, director of education and innovation at BGC South East.

“We are now in the process of creating a new STEM-centred hub within the West End Community Centre, which will include relocating the Robotics Lab. The expansion intends to integrate a series of learning opportunities that focus on building knowledge and capacities in STEM, innovation, entrepreneurship and skilled trades, all within our existing services that are accessible to families and our community members,” Scott remarks.

The club also aims to remove barriers and reach equity-seeking groups, such as females, newcomers and racialized youth. “The lab has been an entryway for Abby into the STEM world, and a place where she feels comfortable and safe to belong,” says Heather.

Article content

The BGC-Whig-Standard May campaign is entering its final week and is close to reaching its goal. “We are seeking to send 500 kids to camp, and every donation matters,” says Harold Parsons, chief executive officer at BGC South East. “We thank all community members and businesses who have donated and believe in our work. Your support is an investment in the future of our youth.”

This summer, the Club is offering STEM and robotics camps that seek to spark interest in youth, through hands-on experiences with cutting-edge technology, integrated with daily physical activity at the BGC West End, such as swimming and the sports courts.

In the fall, the club will launch new STEM and robotics programs for ages six to 18, ranging from daily after-school programs, weekly workshops or multi-month robotics teams, all of which aim to build confidence and skills in youth from an early age, helping them explore a variety of career pathways after high school.

Article content

Program updates and registration information can be found at www.bgcsoutheast.ca/programs/education-and-stem.

Abby has found a passion in STEM and is now eagerly awaiting the results of university applications to science programs. “I have seen Abby continuously outdo herself. She has grown so much and become more confident. The lab has helped shape her identity and career path, and we are so grateful,” adds Heather.

Our donors

Alexander Wilson Architect Inc. $8,500

Mr. & Mrs. McCabe $6,000

Mr. Campbell $1,500

Ms. Furter $500

Ms. Chadwick $250

Ms. Brady $250

Ms. Cumming $250

Mr. McAuley $250

Mr. Murphy $250

Mr. Bell $250

Ms. Elliott $250

Mr. Holden $250

Ms. Cunningham $200

Mr. & Mrs. Conacher $200

Anonymous $100

Article content

Mr. & Mrs. Doyle $100

Ms. Maizen $100

Ms. Wilson $100

Ms. Wakeford $100

Mrs. Labrie & Mrs. Carneigie $100

Mr. Kingston $100

Ms. Baldwin $50

Ms. Hickling $50

Mr. & Mrs. Kennedy $50

Mr. & Mrs. Wilson $50

Ms. Fyke $50

Mr. DaCosta $15

Anonymous $500

Anonymous $ 250

Anonymous $100

Anonymous $100

Anonymous $75

How to Donate

• Donations can be made online at www.bgcsoutheast.ca.

• Credit card donations can be made by calling 613-507-3306, ext. 100 or 110.

• Cheques can be made out to Boys and Girls Club of Kingston and Area and mailed to 1300 Bath Road, Unit A-2, Kingston, ON, K7M 4X4. A tax receipt will be issued to gifts of $20 or more within two weeks.

• Donors are asked to note if they would like to remain anonymous or have their names published in recognition of their support. Names will be published in the weekly articles during The Kingston Whig-Standard Campaign.

• DID YOU KNOW that the Boys and Girls Club engages 75 mentors with diverse expertise and backgrounds who collectively lend over 5,000 volunteer hours annually to provide enhanced STEM and robotics programs?

Article content