Female students focus for robotics

Twelve female students from Mary Our Queen School in Omaha were among 52 girls from 15 schools or organizations in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area who participated in the Omaha Girl Powered VEX Robotics Workshop Oct. 6 at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo.

The event gave elementary and middle school students a chance to learn from women involved in STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), then build and program their own robots.

“It’s critical that we encourage girls to take an interest in STEM careers,” said Tara Peterson, Mary Our Queen vice principal and STEM coordinator. 

 Eight current and former members of the school’s robotics program and school parents served as mentors during the event, which was sponsored by Girl Powered, a joint initiative of the REC Foundation and VEX Robotics.

Fifty-four Mary Our Queen students, grades four through eight, are involved in the school’s robotics program, which fosters STEM skills in students.