Indy Standard

In Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), robotics is becoming a crucial part of students' education, influencing how they learn and prepare for the future. The integration of VEX Robotics in IPS schools has been increasing, with more students drawn to its hands-on nature.

Cold Spring School stands out in the district's robotics scene. After excelling at the Indiana State VEX Robotics Tournament, five teams from Cold Spring will compete in the VEX World Robotics Tournament in Dallas, Texas. This achievement highlights the dedication and talent among IPS students, as Cold Spring sends more teams to the world championship than any other school or program in Indiana.

To support programs like Cold Spring's, IPS received a $55,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Education. This funding aids 24 IPS schools by providing resources for participation in VEX IQ and VEX V5 competitions.

VEX Robotics challenges students to collaborate on design solutions and develop effective strategies while working as a team. This experience enhances their logical thinking, pressure management, and communication skills—valuable attributes in today's job market.

Robotics also enriches STEM learning by allowing students to design, code, and assemble robots. As technology evolves, skills gained through robotics offer students an advantage in careers related to artificial intelligence and automation across various industries.

John Murphy of IPS emphasizes that robotics prepares students for future challenges by fostering leadership and problem-solving abilities. The initiative aligns with IPS's commitment to offering robust enrichment programs under their Rebuilding Stronger promise.