BRANDYWINEBOTS ROBOTICS CLUB
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Mission Statement
At BrandywineBOTS, our mission is to empower the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders through hands-on experience with robotics and technology. We believe that every student, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves access to opportunities that can unlock their full potential.
About This Cause
BrandywineBOTS Robotics is a 100% volunteer-led organization founded in 2020 by parents who are passionate about STEM and robotics, and all of the opportunities it creates for our students. We have experienced growth that exceeds anything we had imagined at the start of this program. What started in 2020 as, quite literally, a small group of middle school friends building robots in their driveways amid the school-closures of the Covid-19 pandemic, has grown into an organization serving over 150 students, at two locations. While BrandywineBOTS has grown into the largest VEX Robotics program in our region (and one of the largest in the US), we have not lost focus, and still strive to provide a quality experience while instilling a strong work ethic, confidence, integrity, problem solving skills, and a winning attitude to all interested students. We are dedicated to providing STEM and Robotics education opportunities for local youth (K through 12), aligning with our mission to inspire and equip students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to excel in robotics and STEM fields. We aim to foster a passion for learning, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity among students, regardless of their background or circumstance. The opportunity we address lies in the critical need for accessible and comprehensive STEM programming for at-risk youth in disinvested communities. Seventy-five percent of Nobel Prize winners say their passion for science was first sparked in a non-school environment; and over the years, researchers, policymakers, and funders have come to recognize the great potential that the non-school hours hold for promoting young people’s love of and commitment to learning. In after-school and summer programs, the narrow conception of academic achievement as something measured only by standardized tests can be expanded to include young people’s experiences, perceptions, and aspirations. The uses as well as the nature of knowledge can be explored, and a lifelong commitment to self-directed learning can be forged. STEM and Robotics education activities require significant funding for equipment and facilities to run extra-curricular programs. However, these opportunities are often lacking in disinvested communities, leading to a stark disparity where many children do not have access to these enriching experiences. This lack of access exacerbates existing educational and economic disparities, limiting the potential for academic and career success among at-risk youth. An influential 2004 study by the Erikson Institute articulated it most effectively, saying: “After-school programs can respond to children’s interests and concerns, giving [them] a measure of control, … putting children in active roles as learners. After-school programs have the flexibility to provide developmental experiences in a range of domains that schools lack time for, and that low- and moderate-income families may lack resources to purchase.” While no formal needs assessment was conducted, demand for BrandywineBOTS Robotics’ services has been overwhelming since our founding. This strong demand is indicative of the community's recognition of the value and impact of STEM and Robotics education on youth development. Furthermore, our recent expansion to include summer camps and frequent inquiries from the community for evening/weekend STEM and coding classes underscore this area’s need and desire for accessible STEM opportunities. BrandywineBOTS Robotics has NEVER turned away an interested student for financial reasons - we have a well-funded scholarship program for students in need. Additionally, all programming at our satellite locations is offered at no cost to the student. This ensures that finances will never be an obstacle to participation. To ensure we have the necessary resources, we rely on the generosity of private donors and the success of our fundraising events. Additionally, BrandywineBOTS Robotics continually seeks out community grants and corporate sponsorships, offering businesses the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting our mission and the education of young students in robotics and STEM fields. Through sponsorship, businesses can enhance their visibility, demonstrate their commitment to education and community, and play a crucial role in fostering the next generation of innovative leaders. Community partnerships serve as vital extensions of our program, bringing robotics and STEM education directly to under-resourced communities. These partnerships are essential in providing valuable educational opportunities and mentoring for youth. By securing additional funding, we can establish, sustain, and expand these community partnerships, ensuring that more students have access to robotics and STEM education within their own communities. Funding supports the setup and ongoing operations of these satellite programs, providing the necessary equipment, parts, and personnel to reach and engage more students. Our program's goal is to inspire and equip students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to excel in robotics and STEM fields. We aim to foster a passion for learning, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity among students, regardless of their background or circumstance. By cultivating these skills, we empower students to succeed not only throughout their school years, but also in the real world. It is our ultimate goal to prepare them for lifelong success, enabling them to apply their acquired skills in college and pursue careers in STEM. BrandywineBOTS Robotics’ philosophy is rooted in the following tenets: • We believe in the power of experiential learning. Our programs are exclusively hands-on, allowing students to actively engage with robotics and STEM concepts. Students gain practical skills while developing problem-solving abilities and a deeper understanding of scientific principles. • We employ a team-based approach where students collaborate on their projects and challenges. This approach fosters effective teamwork, communication, and cooperation skills. Students learn how to work together, leverage each other's strengths, and solve complex problems collectively, thereby developing critical collaboration skills that are essential for success in the modern workplace. • We provide students with access to mentors and coaches from industry, universities, and the local community. These mentors offer guidance, support, and real-world insights, helping students understand the application of robotics and STEM in various career paths. By connecting students with volunteers from industry and the local community who are passionate about robotics and STEM, we inspire them to envision future opportunities and ignite their aspirations. • We prioritize inclusivity by ensuring that our program is accessible to students from diverse backgrounds. We actively work to eliminate barriers to participation, including financial constraints, by offering scholarships, financial aid, and partnerships with community organizations. We aim to create a welcoming and supportive environment that embraces diversity and provides equal opportunities for all. • We are committed to continuous improvement in our program. We regularly gather feedback from students, educators, and community members to assess the effectiveness of our approaches and make necessary adjustments. This iterative process ensures that our program remains relevant, engaging, and responsive to the needs of our students. Through our team-based, hands-on learning approach, coupled with mentorship, inclusivity, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we are able to provide students with transformative experiences. By fostering a passion for learning and practical problem-solving, we aim to inspire the next generation of innovative leaders in the technological landscape. Through our program, we strive to equip students not only with academic success but also with the tools to navigate the challenges of the real world and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. Increasingly, we are seeing corporate funding of these types of programs, which not only build a pipeline of the skilled workers of tomorrow, but create an access point to a transformative journey for students in under-served communities to bridge the achievement gap and subsequently enrich the surrounding community. Undoubtedly, youth STEM and Robotics programs facilitated by community organizations like BrandywineBOTS Robotics are a critical component in fostering a lifelong interest in science and technology. We take great pride in our track record, as all of our graduating seniors since the program's inception have pursued higher education in STEM fields. We firmly believe that any student that participates in our programs will benefit with improved critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and other foundational skills that will be necessary for tomorrow’s careers. Through continuous improvement, we aim to enhance our programming year over year and forge meaningful partnerships to expand our reach. By closely monitoring our progress and making data-driven adjustments, we are confident in our ability to drive positive change in the robotics and STEM education landscape. We remain committed to our mission of inspiring and equipping students with the skills and knowledge to excel in these fields, fostering a passion for learning and innovation that extends far beyond the K-12 years.