Game changer robotics event fosters thriving STEM culture
Cummins partners to launch first ever Elementary and Middle School Robotics League in Columbus, Indiana
It was an exciting night when 28 robotics teams that included over 160 students and numerous teachers came together to explore STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. In late October, Cummins Inc’s sponsorship and employee volunteers, along with community advocates made it possible for Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) – called the STEM capital of Indiana - to organize its first ever robotics league in Columbus, the first of five events this season. The teams continue to compete with their local league teams, leading up to the final league event that BCSC will host this January, which will be open to all teams in Indiana. Teams advancing from these league events will have the opportunity to compete at the State Championship and potentially the World Championship later in the year.
“Cummins has been supporting and involved with STEM education for many years,” says Gayatri Adi, Technical Advisor, Controls, at Cummins. “We are always looking for creative ways for students to experience the exciting world of STEM, and this event did not fall short. The BCSC Robotics League initiative is one of many Cummins has sponsored for BCSC, but this one has a much wider reach in terms of student and teacher engagement in not just learning but applying STEM skills. The excitement and engagement of the students, teachers, and attendees at the inaugural competition made it a proud accomplishment for Cummins, along with our Columbus community.”
The VEX Robotics Competition is the largest and fastest growing middle school and high school robotics program globally with more than 20,000 teams from 50 countries engaging in over 1,700 competitions worldwide, where students, with guidance from their teachers and mentors, build innovative robots and compete year-round. In previous years, BCSC saw the emergence of VEX Robotics teams at the state and global level with two of its elementary schools. 2023 marked a significant growth in student interest and involvement in robotics and STEM related activities with teams spreading across all BCSC district elementary and middle schools.
Further opening the reach of this platform, the multi-district event coming this January invites the participation of other schools from Indiana. “Our vision is to bring the resources and opportunities to our communities so that our next generation can make informed decisions as they explore career choices. Each STEM event is another step closer to building a stronger and smarter community around us, not only enlightening our kids but exhibiting the wonders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to the parents involved,” says Tripti Gupta, Director Engineering Services and STEM Partnership Leader at Cummins.
Collaborative efforts from corporate sponsors like Cummins and the support of community organizations signify a unified commitment toward empowering the next generation of innovators and problem solvers through their education in STEM.
Take a few minutes to look at the inspiring video from the 2023 BCSC Robotics League Kick-Off and learn more about Cummins’ involvement in the event. And make sure you check back on Cummins Newsroom to learn more about the great line-up of events planned for 2024.
Tamra Knudsen
Tamra Knudsen is a Brand Journalist for Cummins with extensive experience in the Capital Goods sector, serving over 20 years in various corporate communications roles. She began her career in accounting, moving into numerous positions within finance, marketing and administration, until she discovered her niche in the field of communications. Her passion is to create transparent and meaningful content that educates, informs and engages readers on a variety of topics for both external and internal audiences.
Tamra graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Parkside, with a BS in Business Administration and Management.