Tuesday was an exciting day for about 170 area students as they participated in the annual Robotics Showcase at the TVA complex. TVA funds and sponsors after-school robotics programs in 16 schools across the county, donating about $30,000 this year alone to encourage students to become more involved in math and science.
The program allows students to design and program robots (using Legos!) to perform specific tasks, skills that can translate into lucrative job possibilities later in their lives. It also allows students to integrate creativity into academics and to learn and practice teamwork. TVA volunteers, HCDE science and math staff, and Harold DePriest (CEO and President of EPB) were among those viewing the presentation and lauding the kids’ accomplishments.
Officials with Battle Academy, one of the participating schools, said "Battle Academy thanked TVA for its partnership in making this program possible for our students. Charley Spencer is the TVA manager who has driven the initiative; other volunteers have built robotics tables for students while still others have been hands-on in the afterschool programs. This year first and second graders at Battle were offered the opportunity to participate for the first time; we’re already seeing the benefits in the students who took part. We hope this partnership will continue for many years and that TVA and other area employers will reap the benefits in the form of prepared workers."