Clintondale Community Schools is expanding its robotics education program to include middle school students thanks to a donation from Deloitte’s Smart Factory Believers Program. The program, which was initially offered only to high school students, has gained popularity over the years, prompting the school to offer beginner and advanced robotics classes.

Kenneth Janczarek, the newly appointed Superintendent of Clintondale Community Schools, believes in providing students with opportunities to explore various interests. The robotics classes not only teach students coding and mechanics but also encourage creativity by allowing them to design and build their own mechanisms. The classes have been well-received by students like Ahmad Ali-Khan, a senior at Clintondale High School, who expressed his enthusiasm for learning different aspects of robotics.

However, implementing robotics programs in schools can be challenging, particularly for smaller schools with limited funding. Clintondale High School has managed to sustain its program through support from generous alumni, including Oakley Industries and In Network Real Estate Group. These donations have enabled the school to afford the necessary equipment and materials.

With the donation from Deloitte’s Smart Factory Believers Program, Clintondale Community Schools will be able to expand its robotics program to Clintondale Middle School. The school will be receiving Smart Rover STEM robotics kits, which will be used to teach eighth-graders about circuitry and coding. This expansion aims to spark interest in STEM fields at a younger age and motivate students to pursue the robotics pathway in high school.

Overall, the robotics education program at Clintondale Community Schools showcases the commitment to providing students with hands-on learning experiences and preparing them for future careers in STEM fields. Although not all students may choose to pursue robotics as a career, the program fosters an environment where students can explore their interests and discover new passions.