It’s a win-win for robotics at Warren County Vo-Tech, thanks to a Warren Community College initiated Securing Our Children’s Futures grant provided by the Murphy Administration.

As part of the Securing our Children’s Futures grant, the College worked with the Vo-tech to provide just under $9,000 in robotic learning supplies to their school, as well as other high value equipment to advance Vo-tech programs toward automation.

“As we delved into the grant parameters it made perfect sense to include Vo-Tech in the process,” said Dr. Will Austin, President of Warren, also the Chief Pilot for the College’s nationally recognized drone program. “We partner with the Vo-Tech on various grants and programs and working together on this grant was a natural progression of that relationship.”

“During my time as Superintendent at Warren County Technical School Dr. Austin and Warren Community College has shown consistent support for our school community,” said Derrick Forsythe. “They go to great lengths to make sure that our students and staff have access to current resources and equipment, including Warren Tech in various grants and building our dual-enrollment offerings.”

With this grant money, Warren Vo-Tech’s engineering program received numerous tools, supplies and kits that will enable students to design, build, modify and use various types of robotic equipment.

“Our engineering teacher, Anthony Lusardi, is extremely grateful and excited to utilize these resources in the classroom,” said Forsythe. “Earlier this year our electrical teacher, Ken Wene, received several diagnostic scanning tools, and our automotive classroom, led by Ray Danner, was outfitted with a brand new, industry-current tire changing machine that is basically hands free. This piece of equipment, with its high price tag, isn’t available in most dealerships, but Warren Vo-Tech’s automotive shop has one, thanks to the College.”  

Marc Dewey,Education Advisor with Kansas-based Pitsco Education in the Northeast, provided much of the equipment.

“Dr. Austin and I spoke at length about a robotics package that would be inclusive of all students, whether a student is experienced in robotics or one who is just getting started,” said Dewey. “We built this package specifically for Vo-Tech to address the initiatives in New Jersey for more exposure to robotics and drone aviation. In addition, we also focused on building a career path for students – getting the best of both worlds and taking hands-on STEM learning to the next level.”

That next level includes the PRIZM Robotics Controller and the wireless gamepad and receiver, The Pitsco-exclusive set comes with everything needed to create programmable or remote-controlled robots. The set is designed to provide an individual student or a team of up to four students with the hardware necessary to engineer, test, drive, and code robots, but it also introduces the basics of building and coding through a series of hands-on projects.

The company also provided an Urban Search and Rescue robot, which was designed specifically for the SkillsUSA Urban Search and Rescue Challenge competition. This model enables students to progress along the skills development pathway. As they grow and learn through TETRIX robotics, students can seamlessly transition to competitions such as First Tech Challenge and other SkillsUSA events.

The TETRIX MAX Dual Control Robotics Set helps provide a career pathway that is not limited to engineering. It also builds skillsets that align with careers in agriculture, construction, public safety, transportation, and computer science. Opening the door for many students who might otherwise just be walking the halls, the fun part is getting them engaged and involved. 

Dewey pointed out that there “are many examples of students starting robotics clubs in their school or community. Not only does this lead to additional hands-on learning opportunities, but it also develops other skillsets that are desirable to future employers such as operations management, collaboration, and communication.”

Dewey added, “I love the partnership we are forming with Warren Tech and Warren. We all share a vision to positively impact students and help them hone the career skills that are highest in demand. As leading proponents of hands-on STEM learning, Warren Tech and Warren preach the same philosophy, which we also share.” 

“It’s all about the residents for me at this point,” noted Austin, “Thanks to former freeholder, Ed Smith, both institutions truly understand how hands-on educational opportunities lead to high paying jobs. Through skilled workforce training students who may not thrive in the traditional academic setting can benefit in a program such as this.” 

Dr. Austin, posited further, “Robots will be a great equalizer for years for those with a kinesthetic-tactile learning style that requires one to manipulate or touch material to learn, and may not have been viewed as academically equal; with the emergence of robotics, precision agriculture, drones, additive manufacturing, and commercial space operations, it will be those learners who can excel in the highest paying occupations.” 

This represents both schools’ goals to understand the changing nature of work, and where the sustainable professions of the future will most likely emerge.

Once again, Warren Community College and Warren County Vo-Tech show that working together on particular projects can be a best case scenario for the students they represent.

NOTE: WCC, WCTS and Pitsco Education are presenting a special event on Tuesday April 19 at WCC, “The Future of STEM in NJ.” This educational forum will include hands-on activities and indoor and outdoor displays of robots and drone technology, with “SPOT” making its rounds as well. Pitsco will have attendees use one of their educational products, a “competition in a box”, for the experience in building and using a competition-style robot. Steve Oroho, NJ Senate Minority Leader and a major supporter of STEM programs, will be the featured speaker. The full morning event begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. and opening remarks at 9, Although geared towards educators, administrators, guidance counselors, industry professionals, and government employees, the event is free and open to the public. For more information call the College, 908-835-9222.