Learning Through VEX Robotics

Community Contributed

By Edwin Mendija

What is VEX Robotics? Most of you probably know about the First Lego League (FLL) program for elementary students. It is a fantastic program for the elementary school. But how about after that in high school? That is where VEX Robotics comes in.

VEX Robotics is a program designed to introduce the world of robots to children, teenagers and even adults! VEX provides a learning environment for people interested in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (also known as STEM).

VEX is also a competition. Every year, a new game is introduced — the goal is to score as many points as possible with a robot designed by the students. This provides a new challenge for them each time, forcing them to think, research, and problem solve.

This program encourages leadership, teamwork, and problem solving for all involved. I truly believe that this program is part of what our high schoolers on Molokai need. It offers opportunities, especially for those interested in for career fields such as engineering and technology (who have been left out in the dark for many years).

I really want the community to get behind this program — it’s been around for a few years already, but with little growth. We need as much help as we can. Funding has undoubtedly been our biggest challenge, especially since we lost 21st century grant support. So please, if you have any questions about this program and what it’s about, please feel free to contact me, Edwin Mendija, at cmendija@hotmail.com.

A very big thank you to Heidi Jenkins and Weldon Wichman for making this program possible!