Funbotics - Empowering Youth in STEM
Funbotics is a 501c3 non-profit organization with the mission of igniting passion for STEM in under-resourced and underrepresented communities of youth across the country by providing free access to STEM education. Funbotics was originally founded in northern Virginia in 2016. From holding camps in local libraries and community centers, Funbotics expanded its robotics camps to Yale in 2018 as an undergraduate organization, partnering with the Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science, Yale Pathways to Science, and Dwight Hall.
In the past 9 months, under the leadership of Pranav Avasarala (YC ’22) and Andonny Garcia (YC ‘22), Funbotics has expanded into a national non-profit organization. This year, Funbotics participated in the Tsai CITY Spring and Summer accelerators. With the support of Tsai CITY, Funbotics developed a social media presence, launched the “Funbotics Fridays” weekly newsletter, and established relationships with sponsor organizations.
Student stands with a thumbs-up pose next to their personal Ender 3 Pro 3D printer at the Funbotics 3D Modeling and Printing Camp in July of 2021. A student with their own Ender 3 Pro 3D printer at the Funbotics 3D Modeling and Printing Camp.
Funbotics 3D Modeling and Printing Camp
One of the most pivotal milestones in the expansion of Funbotics was the launch of the Funbotics 3D Modeling and Printing Camp. Over the course of three 3-hour sessions, students worked closely with assigned mentors to build their 3D printers, learn computer aided design in OnShape, and 3D print various custom objects. Funbotics launched the program in 2 waves, with both the beta version and first official version taking place in July. As part of the program, 55 students received Ender 3 Pro 3D printers to assemble and keep. Of these students, 40 were from low-income and underrepresented communities, receiving their printers for free. Over the course of the camp, students not only built long lasting relationships with their mentors, but also gained the equipment and a strong foundation for future engineering exploration.
A student standing next to 3D printer holding a written sign that says “¡¡Thank you!! Creality :) -Alex Perez” A student thanks Creality for their 3D printer. Funbotics has established a partnership with Creality to offer 3D printing camps to students. Creality generously donated 30 3D printers and filaments to the cause, in addition to working closely with Funbotics to ship each of the printers to the homes of students during the pandemic for the virtual program. With the support of Creality and other donating corporate sponsors including Aver Technologies, Tech2i, SunPile Foundations, and Global Geotechnical Consultants, Funbotics plans to continue to run 3D modeling and printing camps in the future, with the next being held in October.
A spaghetti tower built as part of the Funbotics weekly engineering challenge A spaghetti tower built as part of the Funbotics weekly engineering challenge.
Funbotics Weekly Engineering Challenge
Funbotics has also launched its weekly engineering challenges to keep students engaged with STEM every week. Through activities including building the tallest spaghetti tower and constructing a paper airplane launcher, Funbotics keeps students thinking creatively each week to solve problems. Each week, the winners of the engineering challenges are featured on the Funbotics Instagram page and receive prizes. By continuing to participate in Funbotics weekly engineering challenges and other Funbotics programs, students work toward earning Funbotics Scholarships. Funbotics plans to release details on its new scholarship program in the coming months.
From launching new chapters of Funbotics at universities to developing a new custom robotics curriculum, Funbotics has a lot in the pipeline! Check out Funbotics.org for more information on Funbotics programs and to sign up for the newsletter. Follow Funbotics on Instagram @funbotics_org to check out our 3D printer giveaway that ends on Monday, August 16th!
