KNOS Robotics team, consisting of students from Booker T. Washington High School and Frederick A. Douglass High School, made an impressive debut at the Bayou Regional FIRST Robotics Competition in Kenner, LA. The team members, who are also enrolled in the KIPP New Orleans STEM Hub, walked away with the prestigious Rookie All-Star Award and secured a wildcard spot in the World Championships in their inaugural year.
The STEM Hub at Booker T. Washington provides all KIPP New Orleans high school schools access to a wide range of specialized courses, including robotics, software and game development, emergency medical services, and phlebotomy. The Hub houses a state-of-the-art robotics lab that allows students to design, fabricate, code, and build their robot. These programs aim to cultivate the next generation of innovators, problem solvers, and industry leaders in the field of STEM, while also providing students with opportunities to earn valuable career and technical education credentials. The STEM Hub played a crucial role in the success of the KNOS Robotics team by providing them with the necessary tools, guidance, and support to excel in their first robotics competition.
"As their lead mentor, I couldn't be prouder of how hard these kids worked for this goal," said Chris Hatten, of KIPP New Orleans Schools. "I told them on day one 'this is your team not mine' and they really took ownership of not only building a robot but building an entire robotics program from the ground up."
The Rookie All-Star Award recognizes the rookie team that demonstrates a strong partnership effort and effectively implements the mission of FIRST®, which aims to inspire students to pursue science and technology. The KNOS Robotics team exemplified these qualities through their enthusiasm for STEM and their dedication to their schools' history.
Despite being new to the competition, the team has already established partnerships with multiple schools and developed ambitious plans to expand their team and support others in the future. They have also taken on real-life challenges, mentored FIRST Lego League (FLL) teams, and motivated others to learn and do more in their communities. “What's most impressive about this team is that it's more than just building a robot for them. It's about building a program that encourages all ages to join a robotics team at their KIPP school,” Hatten added. “They have visited 3 schools so far and are planning on touring more. They are also planning to volunteer at 3 different summer camps that have robotics components. There's no doubt that this team knows how to work together to kick some bot!”
The team's passion and hard work have quickly earned them respect from their peers, with many referring to them as the "powerhouse team" and "KIPP's on the block." At the World Championships, the KNOS Robotics team demonstrated their commitment to teamwork and their drive to excel in the world of robotics, all while leveraging the resources and support provided by the KIPP New Orleans STEM Hub. Their presence was a testament to their dedication and achievement.
As the team prepares for future competitions, they remain focused on their goals and committed to representing their schools, community, and the KIPP New Orleans STEM Hub on a global stage.
For information about the KNOS Robotics team and their journey to the World Championships, please contact Hatten at [email protected].