DeSoto Independent School District recently partnered with BEST
of Texas Robotics to bring a free, hands-on robotics and coding experience
to students in grades 3 through 9. Funded by a $99,050 grant from the Texas
Workforce Commission, the BEST of Texas Robotics Camp Code initiative is
designed to ignite interest in STEM by engaging students in real-world
engineering, programming, and problem-solving.
BEST of Texas Robotics is a statewide initiative committed
to delivering immersive robotics education to Texas students. Developed and led
by high school students from Allen ISD’s Allen Eagle Robotics team, the
program provides younger students with peer-led instruction in wiring, coding
(often in C++), and robot assembly. The camp also emphasizes mentorship,
leadership, and collaboration through a STEAM-focused curriculum created by the
student team.
One of the most exciting features of the camp is that each
student built and kept their own robot, allowing them to continue their
STEM journey beyond the classroom.
“This program provides an incredible opportunity for our
students to explore engineering and coding in a hands-on, student-driven
environment,” said Melinda Pugh, DeSoto ISD Director of Career and
Technical Education. “At DeSoto ISD, we’re committed to expanding STEM access
for all students, and programs like this align with our vision for authentic,
skills-based learning.”
Stephanie McCloud, DeSoto ISD Chief Academic Officer,
added: “We are proud to partner with BEST of Texas Robotics to bring a
high-quality STEM experience to our students. This initiative supports our
academic mission by offering engaging, real-world applications that build both
competence and confidence in our scholars.”
“BEST Robotics is more than just a program—it's a
launchpad,” said Johannes Starks, Executive Director of BEST Robotics
Inc. “Through hands-on engineering challenges and peer mentoring, we’re helping
create future innovators who will lead the way in science, technology,
engineering, and math. Programs like Camp Code are how we start building that
future—early, inclusively, and with purpose.”
See event
photos here.