The Community Bots was created because the founders, who are educators in New York City, understand the importance of learning STEM-robotics and the impact it has on the confidence, strength, and academic success of young women. They saw the important role that participation in STEM-robotics can have on girls during their impressionable elementary and middle school years. These years are often the most vulnerable for girls who can form negative stereotypes around gender.
As educators, they extended their passion in the field of science and technology to leading an after-school robotics program. As leaders in their field, they participated in the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) and RoboCup Junior national and international programs. With their unique perspective and hands-on experience as a guide, The Community Bots was born.
The organization fills a distinct need: we create sustainable training programs that can be measured and scaled to reach underserved girls and young women throughout the year around the world.
To date, we’ve served hundreds of students and built measurable teacher training programs that bring results. We’ve set up programs with administrators to integrate The Community Bots model into the curriculum. We have programs in the Dominican Republic. Jamaica, Nicaragua, and Spain.
How we do it:
It’s really one brick at a time. We’re systematic about the approach so that we can get results and have an impact on each group in a way that’s meaningful.
We currently offer intensive teacher training followed by a weeklong, STEM-robotics course that is taught by the local teachers alongside The Community Bots educators. Our introductory Fun with Robotics course trains middle school girls in the fundamentals of robot design and programming using LEGO Mindstorms NXT and EV3 software and equipment. The course also exposes the girls to leading robotics companies and their innovative products and highlights women who have distinguished themselves in the STEM-robotics field.
Our Timeline
Key Events in our History
Year 2014
- Community Bots is founded by Jack Cooley and Ana Agón
Year 2015
- Curriculum established
- Establish relationship with New York Lawyers for the Public Interest
Year 2016
- Established fiscal sponsorship with East River CREW, Inc.
- Pilot program at the Good Shepherd School, NYC
Year 2017
- Ist international program at NicaPhoto, Nicaragua
- Program at TYWLS of Queens
Year 2018
- Program at TYWLS of Brooklyn
- Program at MIR School for Girls, Dominican Republic
- NYS incorporation
Year 2019
- Program at Escuela Carlos Bravo,Nicaragua
- Program at Mandeville Primary School, Jamaica
- Program in La Línea de la Concepción, Spain
Year 2020
- Launch of our virtual STEM-robotics program
Year 2021
- The joint Escuala Carlos A. Bravo and NicaPhoto program in Nicaragua
Year 2022
- Launch of Community Bots STEM-Robotics Center at NicaPhoto with first cohort of 4th and 5th grade girls
- Advanced Program at MIR School for Girls, Dominican Republic