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Small Manufacturers’ Institute (SMI) VEX Robotics Competition Boot Camps |
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Over the next few years thousands of skilled manufacturing workers will be retiring. Where will the next generation of skilled workers come from?
The Small Manufacturers’ Institute (SMI) and some regional California Community Colleges believe that one of the best ways to motivate young high school people to pursue careers in manufacturing is to give them the opportunity to experience machining, electronics, assembly, engineering, and team building at the same time they are enjoying themselves. The VEX Robotics Competition does this. These VEX Competitions are planned each school year.
Boot Camp Description:
Boot Camps are held on three consecutive Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Each participating high school is given a free VEX Robotics Kit, battery pack and programming module (a total retail value of over $450). Each school must have a teacher/mentor as a member of its group. The Course Fee is $125 per School Team. Each school team is entitled to at least 5 participants, possibly more, depending on total team and course enrollment. Total enrollment in the VEX Robotics Boot Camp is limited to 50 individuals.
Boot Camps cover: use of VEX Robotics materials; gears, motors, drive systems, pneumatics, fabrication, structures, electronics and programming. Participants will design, build, program VEX robots; customization of design to achieve specific results (speed, power, control); VEX team building and regional competitions. VEX team building and regional competitions is reviewed and discussed.
At each course meeting, high school teams engage in practice competitions. Friends, family and the public are invited to the final course session which includes final competitions, awards and graduation exercises.
Participants are expected to lead their team in creating a VEX Team to compete in the SCRRF-sponsored Regional VEX Robotics Competition.
VEX Boot Camp Competition Day
The final afternoon is devoted to “final” team competitions (drag races, sumo challenges and robot obstacle races) and graduation exercises, with each student being presented with a certificate of completion. Family, friends and the public will be invited to this event.
Participating Colleges:
The following California Community Colleges have conducted one or more SMI VEX Robotics Competition Boot Camps:
•College of the Canyons CC – Peter Bellas •Pierce CC – Chuck Alvarez •San Bernadino Valley CC - Bill Clark
Contact_FullName: Marty Mechsner Contact_Title: President & CEO Contact_Organization: : Small Manufacturers’ Institute (SMI) Contact_FAX: : (626) 359-0040 Contact_Email: mjm@schobers.com
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