Workshop: Robotics in Urban STEM Education: The Philadelphia Model

Overcoming obstacles in urban education for over a decade, the School District of Philadelphia’s Secondary Robotics Initiative and the School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Pennsylvania have transformed the way students learn STEM. In fact, emerging evidence suggests that opportunities to learn through robotics can transform both the level of engagement and motivation of minorities to persist in STEM. In a district composed of underresourced learners (76% economically disadvantaged) and those typically underrepresented in STEM fields (62.4% African American and 17% Latino in the School District) 2 the challenges to implementing a structured robotics program are apparent. The University of Pennsylvania and School District of Philadelphia rely on a successful partnership in order to close the STEM equity gap, enhance learning, and increase access and awareness, for students, teachers, parents and community members.