Monday, June 27, 2011

Youth at the Community Boys and Girls Club are building robots this week through the VEX Robotics Camp, a collaboration between the club, the University of North Carolina Wilmington and Time Warner Cable (TWC).

From 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. each day, UNC Wilmington visiting professor Richard Chapman and TWC volunteers will help students build, control and program robots using VEX robotics equipment loaned by UNCW. Students will build their own robots for a final showcase competition Friday, July 1. The camp will be held at the Community Boys and Girls Club, 901 Nixon Street.

The VEX Education robotics program provides engaging and fun experiences that help students improve their skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The Robotics program was chosen to create a hands-on learning experience for youth in the community to gain valuable skills, and create greater academic interest in these underrepresented fields.

The camp is part of UNCW's Public Service and Continuing Studies Summer FUNdamentals program that provides career explorations in art, business, chemistry, design, engineering, forensics, history, literacy and marine science.

The Time Warner Cable Connect a Million Minds (CAMM) initiative is providing support for MarineQuest and the Community Boys and Girls Club through monetary donations. CAMM is a five-year, $100 million philanthropic initiative designed to address America's declining proficiency in STEM subjects. Teaching these skills will put youth in a better position to compete in a global economy.

Media are invited to cover the robot competition and other camp events throughout the week by request.

Media Contact:

Andi Curtis, communications manager, Time Warner Cable, 910.772.5746 or andi.curtis@twcable.com

Joy Davis, marketing and communications, UNCW, 910.632-3903 or davisjc@uncw.edu