Museum of Discovery Announces “Girls in STEM” Robotics Team
Little Rock, Ark (Sept. 20, 2018) – The Museum of Discovery announced today that it has received a grant to host two all-girl robotics teams. The grant from VEX Robotics will allow participants from the museum’s “Girls in STEM” program, which seeks to encourage girls, ages 12-15, to pursue science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and careers, compete in competitive robotics.
According to the museum, the robotics teams will be named FEMMGINEERS 1.0 and 2.0. The teams will begin practicing in October and participate in their first competitions in December. Practices and competitions will continue through March.
“Competitive robotics teaches the pillars of STEM education while encouraging teamwork and communication,” said Girls in STEM Coordinator Shannon Jones. “Unfortunately, many of these girls are unable to participate in competitive robotics due to costs. Through this grant and the museum’s support, these girls will be able to be on a robotics team free of cost.”
The Museum of Discovery’s “Girls in STEM” program began in Little Rock 2013 and has expanded since. This summer, 168 girls participated in “Girls in STEM” free of cost through programming offered in Little Rock, Jonesboro, Blytheville and Stuttgart. Girls interested in participating in “Girls in STEM”, should email Shannon Jones at sjones@museumofdiscovery.org.
“Girls in STEM” is sponsored by Walmart Foundation, ARCodeKids, Best Buy Foundation, Union Pacific, Charles A. Frueauff Foundation, Nucor-Yamato Steel, Women’s Foundation of Arkansas, McDonald & Associates Collective Collaboration, and Phyllis and Ray Simon.
Museum of Discovery’s mission is to ignite and fuel a passion for science, technology, engineering, arts and math through dynamic, interactive experiences. For more information, call 501-396-7050.
Museum Information
Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm; Sunday: 1-5 pm; Closed Monday
(open Mondays in the summer and on major holidays)
Admission: $10 adults; $8 ages 1-12; free under 1; members free
Phone Number: 501.396.7050
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