Monte Vista 4-H Leaves “Junk-Drawer” Robotics Behind with LEGO Kits

At one point, Monte Vista’s 4-H robotics program competed nationally and was 45 members strong. But recently, the program has fallen on hard times. For the past two years, 4-H members have practiced a curriculum they call “junk-drawer” robotics, creating mishmash projects that are ineligible for competitions. Participation in robotics has sagged—the program currently has 12 members—as has the engagement of those who remain. One staff member at Colorado State University’s San Luis Valley Area Extension, which runs 4-H, wanted to revitalize the program by purchasing new robotics kits. The 4-H program and Monte Vista youth were unable to cover the costs, so they reached out to LOR. Through the Colorado State University Foundation, LOR’s funding will help the robotics program buy 24 LEGO® robotics kits and 12 computers. Monte Vista’s future engineers can now get up to speed and back to competition.