“You have teenagers thinking they’re going to make millions as NBA stars when that’s not realistic for even 1 percent of them. Becoming a scientist or engineer is.”
The On It Foundation received grants from the Best Buy Aventura and jcpCares to help disadvantaged students benefit from building academic and 21st century skills. The grants also provided the opportunity to launch The On It Foundation’s FIRST Robotic Competition Team 4592 under our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program. Our partnership with Mentor Ron Callis, CEO at OneFireFly, LLC, a design and engineering firm and Mr. Robert Derrick, Engineering Instructor at McArthur High School, both located in Hollywood, FL, provided students with curriculum and hands on experience in programming, CAD design, engineering, business service, service learning and team development.
With the assistance of our Funders, numerous Sponsors, and Volunteers, Team 4592 (M3 – Mighty Mechanical Mustangs) competed for the ‘Ultimate Ascent’ challenge at the South Florida Regional FIRST Robotic Competition March 28th – March 30th, 2013 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale | Broward Convention Center and made the Semi-Finals missing a win by 9 points! As a Rookie team, “Julia” our Robot, made an awesome impression with the judges and other participants involved!
“The varsity Sport for the Mind,” FRC combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams of 25 students or more are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. It’s as close to “real-world engineering” as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team.
Here is a presentation from our Mentor Ron Callis of OneFireFly, LLC. http://youtu.be/JYni-uWwnIU
Students get to:
- Learn from professional engineers
- Build and compete with a robot of their own design
- Learn and use sophisticated software and hardware
- Compete and cooperate in alliances and tournaments
- Earn a place in the World Championship
- Qualify for over $16 million in college scholarships
2013 – TEAM “On It!”
The On It Foundation Team 4592 Robotic Documentary.
2013 – TEAM “On It!”
TEAM “On It!” is currently recruiting for our FIRST Robotic Competition ‘Community Team’ and open to all demographics ages 14-18 years of age.
‘GIRLS ONLY’ – TEAM “On It!”
‘GIRLS ONLY’ – TEAM “On It!” is currently recruiting a ‘GIRLS ONLY’ Robotics team to assist in the advancement of STEM education and career opportunities within disadvantaged girls in grades K-12.
The Story Differs for African American and Hispanic Girls
A report from the Girl Scout Research Institute found some significant racial/ethnic group differences in their data. Specifically, they found that African American and Hispanic girls say they have just as much interest in STEM as Caucasian girls, but they have had less exposure to STEM, less adult support for pursuing STEM fields, lower academic achievement, and greater awareness of gender barriers in STEM professions.
However, their confidence and ability to overcome obstacles are high, pointing to the strong role of individual characteristics in STEM interest and perceived ability in these subjects.
Although interest in STEM is high for all ethnic groups (73% of Caucasian girls, 76% of African American girls, 74% of Hispanic girls), interest in some aspects of STEM is higher for African American and Hispanic girls. African American and Hispanic girls are more interested in:
- How things work (AfricanAmerican—82%, Hispanic—83%, Caucasian—73%)
- Building things/putting things together (AfricanAmerican—58%, Hispanic—67%, Caucasian—56%)
- Creating an iPhone app or designing a computer or video game(AfricanAmerican—67%, Hispanic—68%, Caucasian—55%).
2013 – KIDS Robotic TEAM “On It!”:
2013 – KIDS Robotic TEAM “On It!” is currently recruiting grades K-5 and all demographics for our ‘Kids Robotic Teams’. Great for young minds to engage in STEM and hands on creative projects utilizing Tynker Software, LEGO and VEX Robotics.
To request a Robotic Sponsorship Package or to become a Member of TEAM “On It!”, please email Robots@TheOnItFoundation.org
Donate to One Today to Support Robotics and Coding for our Students. Sign up at One Today here
One Today is an Android app currently available through limited pilot in the United States.
- One Today Robotics Project
- One Today Coding for Kids Project