Playing with LEGO has long been a favourite activity for kids and adults alike, but at St. Clair College's STEM Robotics Summer Camp, it's much more than just playtime - it's an opportunity to create, innovate, and learn how to bring LEGO creations to life through technology.
Supported by a $300,000 grant from the Ontario government through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), the camp offered equity-deserving youth from community groups in Windsor-Essex a chance to explore LEGO robotics and coding during an immersive five-week program in July and August 2024.
Participants from organizations like the Sandwich Teen Action Group, Women's Enterprise and Skills Training of Windsor, and Black Boys Code were given the opportunity to learn essential skills such as math, coding, and hands-on building.
"The STEM Robotics Summer Camp at St. Clair College is a shining example of how we can empower Ontario's youth by providing them with the skills and opportunities to become leaders in the automotive and mobility sectors of the future," said Raed Kadri, head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN). "By supporting initiatives like this, the Ontario government through OVIN, is helping to inspire the next generation of our workforce and ensuring that all young people, regardless of background, have access to the tools and experiences they need to succeed in this rapidly evolving industry."
Campers integrated sensors and other technologies into their LEGO builds, following step-by-step instructions to create robots that can move on command. These activities, designed for students of all learning levels, help build confidence and critical thinking skills.
"The second these kids see that they're going to be working hands-on with everything, they're locked in," said Josh Lowe, the STEM Camp facilitator. "To watch them go from having minimal, maybe no knowledge about coding or robotics at all, to creating a fully functional robot that can move on its own, it's incredible."
The camp aims to spark interest in the autonomous and electric vehicle sectors, helping to establish a future talent pipeline. By exposing youth to the practical applications of their learning, the camp opens doors to new educational and career pathways.
"It's about creating those opportunities and just having them think about their future, the choices that they're making, and doing it in a fun and engaging environment," said David Potocek, Research Project Manager at St. Clair College Research and Innovation.
For 13-year-old Heritage Oladunjoye, a camper from The Coalition for Justice, Unity and Equity (CJUE), the experience was transformative.
"It's been an amazing time. Everything's amazing. I would have never thought I could build a robot that can pick things up," she said. "Everything's possible if you put your mind to it. I feel like I have two choices now. These past two weeks have really changed my mindset to see what kind of job I want to do when I'm older."
For others like 10-year-old Kasra Mozaffari, the camp further fueled his passion for robotics.
"I was already interested in robotics, but this got me to learn even more about it," he said. "That was a cool experience that St. Clair College gave me."
One of the key aspects of the camp is accessibility - thanks to OVIN's support, the program is offered completely free of charge. Participants are provided with all necessary resources, including the LEGO Spike Prime Robot, valued at over $450, as well as iPads and computers.
"We're trying to create opportunities for equity-deserving populations to have this chance to come in here and use these resources," said Potocek. "By providing food, transportation, and the camp itself for free, we're breaking down barriers that might otherwise prevent these kids from accessing such opportunities."
The impact of the camp doesn't end when the program concludes. On the final day, each group takes the tools they used-iPads and LEGO robot kits-back to their community organizations. This ensures that the learning continues, and participants can share their new skills with peers who didn't attend the camp.
"These kids are just overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement because they realize it's not over. They get to continue doing something they've really enjoyed," said Lowe. "They can teach the other kids who didn't get to attend camp, and everybody gets to continue the learning once they leave St. Clair College."
"The individuals that came to the camp are going to be those leaders, those mentors who had that experience," added Potocek.
The STEM Robotics Summer Camp is just one of the many initiatives led by St. Clair College's Research and Innovation team. With three grants from OVIN totaling $1.1 million, they have successfully launched multiple STEM initiatives, primarily focused on teaching and learning.
"We are thrilled to receive a significant grant that amplifies the voices of our shared communities. This support will enhance their impact and help realize their vision," said Dr. Karmie Dhillon, Director of Research and Innovation at St. Clair College. "We thank OVIN for making this progress possible."
Looking ahead, the team is developing an online resource based on the camp curriculum, which will be accessible from anywhere with internet connectivity, eliminating the need for physical resources.
"We started with an online learning module, and now OVIN 3.0 advances that even further by implementing 3D pieces and elements, so that someone doesn't need a robot kit at all," said Potocek. "They can use the digital platform to create everything, and that's when we really start innovating."
The future looks bright as St. Clair College continues to break down barriers, inspire the next generation, and shape the innovators of tomorrow.
