Empowering Students: The Robotics Journey at Grand River Preparatory High School

At Grand River Preparatory High School, the spirit of innovation and teamwork is alive in the robotics classroom. A dedicated group of 15 students is fully engaged in creating a robot that will participate in various competitions. Starting with just a piece of wood, the students use their creativity and engineering knowledge to build a functioning robot. This process not only teaches them the basics of engineering but also important life skills essential for their futures.

The project kicks off every January when the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) organization announces its annual robotics challenge. This year, students faced the exciting challenge of designing a robot capable of picking up a ball and positioning PVC pipes on a metal stand, among other tasks. Once the design is set, students meticulously cut metal parts for the robot's framework and layout the necessary wiring to ensure it responds accurately to commands.

Junior Elijah Lipscomb, who has predominantly taken on programming roles, shares his enthusiasm for the journey: “I really enjoy the trial and error involved in coding the robot to perform as intended,” he says. Lipscomb’s passion for programming reflects his aspiration to become a software engineer and video game designer. The hands-on experience of coding in Java, a common language for video games, is invaluable as it aligns perfectly with his future career goals. “Learning new coding skills is helping me prepare for what’s next,” he adds.

In addition to technical education, the robotics class emphasizes the development of soft skills. English teacher Philip Jackson, who oversees the robotics team, is deeply committed to ensuring that students learn vital skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience. These life skills are integrated into the students' learning experiences and discussions often revolve around the Moral Focus virtues, which are part of the National Heritage Academies' character development curriculum. Students are encouraged to exhibit integrity, wisdom, and mutual support throughout their interactions.

“I see them grow as individuals,” Jackson explains. He has witnessed remarkable transformations in students since their freshman year, both academically and personally. This toolkit of skills is designed to carry over into their future careers, whatever paths they may choose.

Competitions not only challenge students technically but also foster collaboration and effective communication with peers from other teams. These partnerships enhance students' social competencies, further enriching their educational experience.

Senior Andrea Ramirez, the robotics team captain, has been with the program since its inception. Despite her plans to study finance and international business, she acknowledges the profound impact the robotics experience has had on her development. “Before joining the team, I was shy and struggled with conversation. Now, thanks to interacting with other students and strategizing, I have gained greater confidence and improved my communication skills.”

Ultimately, students leave the team with more than just a foundational understanding of robotics. The emphasis on practical engineering applications, infused with lessons on leadership and problem-solving, makes this experience invaluable. Jackson sums it up succinctly: “They learn to think critically under pressure and work collaboratively—skills that are just as important as engineering knowledge.”

This vibrant fusion of STEM education with character development equips students from Grand River Preparatory High School with the tools they need to excel in their chosen fields, ultimately preparing them for a successful future.

About National Heritage Academies

National Heritage Academies (NHA) operates a network of 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, educating more than 68,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, please visit nhaschools.com and find the nearest charter school using the NHA school finder.