Sparking innovative education and outreach: K-12 Robotics Center | University of Nevada, Reno

by Bianca Wright and Jane Tors

Nevada Lt. Governor Kate Marshall and University President Brian Sandoval visit with members of FYRE Robotics, a FIRST Robotics Competition team, at the K-12 Robotics Center opening event. Photo by David Calvert.

A vision to create a unique space that encourages young people’s interest in robotics, computer science, engineering and automation – and strengthen the pathways to degrees and careers – is now reality. The K-12 Robotics Center | University of Nevada, Reno, supported by Tesla and the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN), celebrated its opening in downtown Reno on August 6, 2021.

K-12 robotics competitions stimulate interest and development in these critical fields of study, and competition teams need specialized equipment and large, open areas as they design, build and test their creations. The K-12 Robotics Center provides the necessary tools and space.

“It will be a place where kids and parents, coaches, teachers and University faculty, all come together,” said Mridul Gautam, the University’s vice president for research and innovation and professor of mechanical engineering. “The kids will learn to design and build, and they will see the opportunities and the support for their future success.”

Chris Reilly, Tesla’s director of recruiting & workforce development, anticipates the K-12 Robotics Center – and other efforts to encourage robotics-based curriculum and activities happening across the state – will lead more students toward careers in advanced manufacturing and engineering fields. Many Tesla employees tell Reilly that it was involvement in high-school robotics competitions that sparked their interest in these future-oriented career possibilities.

Read the entire article at Nevada Today: https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2021/k-12-robotics-center-opening