Google-Funded Robotics Camp Boosts STEM Skills for Young Alabamans
Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) hosted a Summer Robotics Camp in July, sponsored by Google. The camp introduced rising 7th-8th grade students to engineering and mechatronics through hands-on building projects.
The campers were challenged to build a remote-controlled robot from scratch, which they then learned to operate and participated in races around the college's new Workforce Skills Training Center. More than 60 campers attended the event, coming from DeKalb and Jackson counties as well as distant counties.
NACC President Dr. David Campbell praised the opportunity for students to explore robotics, while Dean of Workforce Development and Skills Training Barbara Kilgore highlighted the chance for local students to discover their interests in STEM fields like mechatronics. The camp was made possible by a grant from Google, which also provided financial support and had employees volunteer time at the event.
The Robotics Camp offered lunch, snacks, and camp T-shirts to participants, along with activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire interest in technology-related careers. The college expressed gratitude for Google's assistance in making the event possible.