CLEVELAND — It's about nurturing a spark, piquing kids' interest in STEM through robotics. Not only are they building the bots… but getting them to do tasks, like popping a balloon.
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"We have biomimicry bots, which are our animal like bots. We have rover bots, which are close to my heart because I'm a I love NASA, I love space," said Co-owner of FBC Technical Solutions, Charles Doxley.
Doxley has inspired Cleveland's kids at area recreation centers for 2 years now. And working with the school district for even longer. He has the kids dive right in, taking control of the robots.
"We start with an app because it's easy, is fun, is Bluetooth is something all kids are familiar with," explains Doxley.
A NASA engineer by day, Doxley started FBC Technical Solutions to expose kids to the elements of STEM. Partnering with the city's Summer Soundtrack Program, at Stella Walsh and EJ Kovacic Rec Centers was a great fit.
"We just want to impact as many youth as possible to show them that there's other options and other alternatives,” said Doxley. “And science and technology is the greatest thing that you could be a part of."
Even City of Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb stopped by to see the program in action.
"Giving them, real life skills around science, technology, engineering and math, preparing them for the workforce of the future and just picking their interest at a early age, which is so important for young people across our city," said Mayor Bibb.
"The kids knew who he was. And they were extremely excited,” said Doxley.
Currently only a hand full of kids are taking advantage of this free robotics opportunity. Both Doxley and the Mayor want more kids involved. And see where their curiosity can take them.
"It's, really exciting and exhilarating,” said Bibb. “These kids are a lot smarter than me. And so I'm looking forward to learning a lot more from them."
"As long as there's kids who need exposure in STEM, we're going to be around trying to make sure we provide it for," said Doxley.
The City of Cleveland wants all the kids to have a safe summer. That is the goal of the Summer Soundtrack Series. Free activities in all of the city’s 21 recreation centers. Click here for a list of what is available.