With the support of a grant from Google, a group of middle school students in the Washington, D.C. area could play a pivotal role in advancing the field of robotics and artificial intelligence.
Around 40 students seized the opportunity to collaborate with experts from Facebook on a machine-building project at Herndon Middle School. This initiative served as a platform for announcing financial backing for the establishment of technology and AI programs in Virginia schools, including Herndon Middle School.
MJ Henshaw, a spokesperson for Google, revealed that the company is allocating $520,000 to Virginia as part of its 25th-anniversary celebrations.
Among the participants in the robotics workshop was eighth-grader Charles Rudolph, who shared his experience, mentioning, “It was quite straightforward, although I found certain sections a bit perplexing.”
During the funding announcement, Fairfax County representative Congressman Gerry Connolly was in attendance.
Connolly expressed her excitement about Herndon Middle School being among the first recipients of these grants. Emphasizing the importance of students acquiring skills in science and engineering, she highlighted their potential contributions to future innovations that will benefit society at large.
She also mentioned the potential applications of miniaturized technology in medical procedures and diagnostics, citing examples such as rescuing individuals trapped in hazardous situations using robotics.
Gautam Sethi, the Chief Information Technology Officer for Fairfax County Public Schools, encouraged students to recognize the significant opportunities presented to them.
Sethi explained that through programming these devices, students can unleash their creativity and make them perform various tasks.
Evelyn, a seventh-grade student, shared her aspirations of pursuing a career in AI and robotics, expressing her passion for designing models and creating innovative solutions.
