Keiser University and Kids in STEM leaders presented the Max M Fisher Boys and Girls Club with VEX IQ Challenge robotics kits, made possible by the Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation and a fifteen-hundred dollar check on Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at 9 am at The Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.

The presentation was a result of a grant raised from the Keiser University Kids in STEM Golf Classic held on April 18, 2019, to support the Max M. Fisher Boys and Girls Club members as they learn more about education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports and fitness, and technology. Encompassing all four pillars of science, technology, engineering, and math, the study of competitive robotics promotes teamwork, communication, and project-based organization while creating unforgettable learning experiences.

“As we further equip the next generation to lead innovation, we are thankful for the opportunity to present these kids with such valuable learning tools, and very much appreciate all who participated in our Keiser University Kids in STEM Golf Classic to support the effort,” said Dr. Gary Vonk.

The REC Foundation provides affordable, sustainable and accessible robotics education programs to engage students in STEM and provide a hands-on learning experience to pave the way for future innovators. The VEX IQ Challenge, designed for elementary and middle school-aged students includes snap-together robot parts and fosters student development of teamwork, critical thinking, project management, and communication skills.

Founded in 1971, Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County is a not-for-profit youth development organization dedicated to promoting the educational, vocational, health leadership and character of boys and girls in a safe, nurturing environment. The Clubs provide more than a safe, fun and constructive alternative to being home alone – they offer a variety of award-winning developmental programs to help youth build skills, self-esteem and values during critical periods of growth. The thirteen Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Palm Beach County serve more than 8,000 children ages 6-18.

Kids in STEM, LLC is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity whose mission is to inspire school-age students through interactive activities that stimulate curiosity, discovery, and collaboration in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Kids in STEM’s objective is to equip students with the skills to meet the challenges of the ever-changing world around them and provide pathways to future STEM-related careers.  For additional information regarding Kids in STEM, visit www.kidsinstem.org.

The Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation’s mission is to increase student interest and involvement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by engaging students in hands-on, affordable, and sustainable robotics engineering programs. VEX Robotics is a leading provider of educational and competitive robotics products to schools, universities, and robotics teams around the world. The VEX IQ and VEX EDR product lines span elementary, middle, and high schools with accessible, scalable, and affordable robotics solutions. Beyond science and engineering principles, a VEX Robotics project encourages teamwork, leadership, and problem solving among groups. It allows educators to easily customize projects to meet the level of students’ abilities as they inspire & prepare the STEM problem-solvers of tomorrow.