A SUMMER OF ROBOTS: FUELING INNOVATION FOR THE NEW ECONOMY

Interactive robotics workshops and informational sessions to support Hawaii’s keiki

HONOLULU - Long-time veterans and brand-new rookies in the world of robotics will gather this summer to take part in workshops, informational sessions and camps in order to gain greater expertise in educational robotics. ‘A Summer of Robots’ Event directory is included below.

The Robotics Organizing Committee (ROC) will host the events in coordination with robotics supporters and community partners throughout the state, beginning on June 21 and running through August 28, 2011.

Since August 2008, the Robotics Organizing Committee (ROC) has helped make great strides for Hawaii’s youth by supporting six statewide robotics programs for students elementary through high school. These programs impact over 6,000 students, in more than 420 teams, on five islands. The 2010-11 robotics year came to a great close with several Hawaii teams gaining national and international recognition for their incredible achievements.

The “Summer of Robots” will build on the student successes of recent years by utilizing student talents to train and excite teams, teachers and families new to the educational robotics effort.

‘A Summer of Robots’ features several workshops hosted by various schools including Baldwin High, Waiakea High and Kalani High robotics teams, just to name a few. Also, during the summer, there will be an “Innovation Camp” hosted by Moanalua High, and a Micro Robotics Bipedal robotics workshop held at the Hawaii Convention Center. For the business community, student leaders will host an event, “Toast for Our Future,” on July 28 in downtown Honolulu at BAE Systems offices. BAE Systems is a strategic partner of the robotics community in Hawaii, recognizing the value of robotics training to the future workforce.

“Hawaii is home to thousands of future STEM leaders, and we encourage the community to join in the effort,” said Richel Cole, a recent graduate of the Sacred Hearts Academy robotics team and a summer project coordinator for the ROC. “The robot is simply the catalyst through which all the participants can reach their goals and dream big.” Ms. Cole will attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa, majoring in business administration.

“For the rest of my life, I will be thankful for all that the robotics programs have given me and for supporting the six programs for fellow students statewide. In whatever career path I choose, I’ll never forget my roots in robotics,” said Dakota Walker. Mr. Walker, will attend Johns Hopkins University on a full scholarship and will major in International Relations.

Interested supporters can find the Robotics Organizing Committee (ROC) on Facebook and Twitter (@hawaiiroc) or visit on the web at www.hawaiiroc.org.

"Summer of Robots" Schedule and Directory:

OAHU:

Camp Innovation

Motivating Menehune Minds

• Dates: June 21- June 25, 2011
• 8:00am-12:00pm
• Location: Baldwin High School

BIG ISLAND:

Hawaii Island Robotics Academy

• Dates: July 5- July 9, 2011
• 8:00am-12:00pm
• Location: Waiakea High School

Please contact the ROC for camp enrollment opportunities or additional information via email at info@hawaiiroc.org.

For additional robotics and STEM events happening statewide, visit www.hawaiiroc.org to view the complete calendar.

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