BridgeValley Awards Scholarship for Cedar Grove Elementary Robotics Team
BridgeValley Community and Technical College has awarded students at Cedar Grove Elementary School a $2,000.00 scholarship that will enable them to attend the VEX IQ Elementary Robotics World Championship.
One of only two elementary schools in Kanawha County to qualify for the Championship, the CGE Robotics Team secured their invitation after winning the Elementary Design Award at the state competition on March 13. This is the third time the team has qualified for the Championship.
“Our students have been committed to this team and have worked incredibly hard to build, program, and compete with their robots in tournaments held throughout the state,” said team coach Tracy Moss.
The nine-student team will compete May 10-12, 2022 in Dallas, TX.
“We are so very proud of this group and believe in recognizing student innovations in STEM within our service region,” said Kristi Ellenberg, BridgeValley Dean of General Education, Liberal Arts, and Sciences. “We hope that eventually, they will join us for our programs at Riverside High School to further their STEM education.”
Providing a foundation for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, BridgeValley is a pillar for STEM education in secondary schools. Currently, the College offers multiple dual enrollment opportunities including STEM curriculum at Riverside High School that will one day benefit Cedar Grove Elementary students.
“One thing we know about the future of the West Virginia workforce is that there will be a substantial need in STEM based careers,” said Ellenberg. “If we can engage elementary school children in fun STEM based activities and then, once in high school, provide solid dual and early enrollment paths toward STEM degrees in college, we end up with an educated and trained workforce, ready to take on the innovations of the future.”
The Riverside High School program, funded by a grant from the American Electric Power Foundation’s Credits Count initiative, introduces middle and high school students to STEM careers while earning college credits. Special emphasis is given to robotics, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, and Cyber Security. A similar program is also available at Nitro High School through BridgeValley and AEP Foundation Credits Count funding.
BridgeValley offers multiple opportunities for students to earn college credits while in high school. For more information, visit bridgevalley.edu/dual-enrollment or contact Program Manager Sara Price at [email protected].
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About BridgeValley Community and Technical College
BridgeValley Community and Technical College promotes student success, prepares a skilled workforce, and builds tomorrow’s leaders by providing access to quality higher education. BridgeValley Community and Technical College will be the college of opportunity for a diverse learner population, offering leading-edge technology, innovative ideas, and dynamic service to our students and our communities.
BridgeValley Community and Technical College was founded on March 20, 2014, and serves a seven-county region including Cabell, Clay, Fayette, Kanawha, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties. The college operates two campuses in Montgomery and South Charleston, along with the addition of the Advanced Technology Center. BridgeValley Community and Technical College is a public institution of higher education independently accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges and a member of the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia.
Promoting student success, preparing a skilled workforce, and building tomorrow’s leaders.
About the AEP Foundation
The American Electric Power Foundation is funded by American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) and its operating subsidiaries. The Foundation provides a permanent, ongoing resource for charitable initiatives involving higher dollar values and multi-year commitments in the communities served by AEP and initiatives outside of AEP’s 11-state service area. The Foundation focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math; by meeting basic needs for emergency shelter, affordable housing and the elimination of hunger; and championing social and racial justice. Other Foundation support may be offered to protect the environment, promote healthcare and safety, and enrich life through art, music and cultural heritage.