Every Kid Gets a Robot
2 days ago
- #educational robotics
- #Indigenous communities
- #STEM education
- An innovative educational robotics kit named EKGAR costs less than $20 to make and is sent to youth for free.
- EKGAR increases technical competency with a culturally competent curriculum.
- Over 34,000 youths and educators have used EKGAR, with 90% influenced to pursue STEM careers.
- The kit includes 3D printed components and uses ESP32 technology, teaching skills like coding and wiring.
- EKGAR was designed by an Indigenous (Ojibwe) youth to address barriers in technical education for Indigenous communities.
- Indigenous communities face significant digital divides, with limited access to computers and internet.
- EKGAR provides hybrid hands-on and virtual learning, making tech education accessible.
- The robot is sustainable, made from recycled plastic, with biodegradable components in development.
- EKGAR has won multiple awards, including the MIT Solve 2021 Indigenous Communities Fellowship.
- Robots are distributed for free through partnerships, donations, and direct funding.