About the program:

Since September 2011, the College Park Scholars Science Technology and Society Program (STS) has been working to design and deliver robotics-based STEM education programs with nearby Prince George's County Public Schools.  UMD undergraduate students visit schools weekly to implement these during and after school robotics programs.  

What We Offer:

We currently offer the program in seven schools: three elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools.  Our elementary and middle school partners work with Lego Education NXT and EV3 robotics kits.  Our high schools are FIRST robotics teams.  Teams of 3-5 UMD students visit each school site and collaborate on the design and programming of the their robot.  The robotics clubs help to develop teamwork, leadership and problem solving skills for UMD students and their K-12 teammates.  

The program is offered free of charge to our partner schools in Prince George's County where K-12 students are offered the opportunity to engage with UMD peers and collaborate and develop important skills that include collaboration, teamwork and problem solving.  

Why Donate:

Currently, financing comes directly out of the STS operating budget.  As we have grown to include more UMD students and PG County schools in our program, we have reached the outer bounds of our programming budget.  This Launch UMD campaign will sustain the partnerships we currently have in place and allow us to add additional school sites to our portfolio. Our goal is to work with as many schools and reach as many students as possible!

Your donation is going a long way to provide important educational opportunities for the University of Maryland Community both on and off campus.  

Additional information: 

Check out our website or view the recent articles and videos about our program!

News Stories:

The Office of Community Engagement wrote an article on our program building more than just robots.

College Park Scholars News wrote a piece on our Lego robotics workshops in Ecuador over Winter 2014.

Read in the Diamondback about our program helping to provide opportunities for K-12 Robotics teams to participate in Maryland Robotics Day

Videos:

Check out this TerpVision video of our students working at the brand new College Park Academy (min 3:15)

In Spring 2014, UMD hosted the FIRST Chesapeake Regional Robotics Competition.  TerpVision talked to several of our staff and students about robots and STEM Education

Gifts in support of the University of Maryland are accepted and managed by the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, Inc., an affiliated 501(c)(3) organization authorized by the Board of Regents.  Contributions to the University of Maryland are tax deductible as allowed by law.  Please see your tax advisor for details.