A Science Journey from Dimona to Detroit: 27 World ORT Robotics Students from Israel Compete in International Robotics Competition

DETROIT, April 15, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Recognized around the world as a hub for technology, manufacturing, and creativity, Detroit is synonymous with innovation. Befittingly, on April 23—April 24, Detroit will become home to the world's largest STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) celebration for students when it hosts the 2019 FIRST Championship, presented by Qualcomm Incorporated. As part of this year's STEM celebration, 27 World ORT robotics students, known as the RoboActive #2096 team, will journey from Dimona, Israel to Detroit to compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition.

Dimona is a small desert town located in southern Israel. Despite its distance from the thriving high-tech hub in central Israel, STEM has become a way of life in Dimona, where the World ORT Kadima Mada (Science Journey) STEM program has had a profound impact on local students of all ages, as well as the community at large. Dimona is now considered a Robotics capital, with FIRST Robotics Competition teams active in 100% of Dimona schools, including special education and kindergarten robotics programs. From Science Night initiatives to Hackathons, and from coding collaborations with Microsoft to the development of a Cyber and Technology College, Dimona is now leading the robotics revolution.

Members of the RoboActive #2096 team are current students at Zinman High School in Dimona. During school hours, they study high-level science courses. After school, they pursue their passion for robotics, engineering, and volunteering in community projects as part of World ORT Kadima Mada's YOUniversity, an extra-curricular STEM enrichment program.

"I started Robotics in the sixth grade when I joined the RoboStar course. Now, I am 17 years old, and I am proudly taking part in international robotics projects and volunteering throughout my city and Israel," said Ron Manto, a RoboActive #2096 team member.

Like Ron, many members of the RoboActive #2096 team became involved in World ORT Kadima Mada's YOUniversity STEM program at an early age. Team members have spearheaded meaningful community projects, including engineering and raising funds for a playground designed for children who use wheelchairs. Inspired to become the next generation of scientists, entrepreneurs, and engineers who help people through technology, these students learned directly from their peers about the positive influence STEM plays in their lives and the potential it has to help build a bright future.

"ORT congratulates the RoboActive #2096 team, whose science journey from Dimona to Detroit has already positioned them as winners in life," said Larry Kadis, ORT America President. "These amazing students are proof that with access to high quality STEM education, the next generation is empowered to enter the job market with marketable skills, become leaders in their own right, and invest back into their communities. We could not be more proud."

About ORT America
ORT America is the leading fundraising organization for World ORT, whose global educational network, schools, colleges, and international programs propel more than 300,000 students in 35 countries to develop careers and lead fulfilling, independent lives. With generous support from our donors, ORT's schools and programs reach underserved students by bridging the gap between aptitude and opportunity, as we work to expand knowledge, build autonomy, and strengthen Jewish identity. ORT America is headquartered in New York, with regional offices in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. For more information, please visit http://www.ortamerica.org.

Nicole Miller
Regional Director, Lois G. Sandberg Michigan Region
ORT America
248.723.8860
nmiller(at)ortamerica(dot)org

SOURCE World ORT Robotics

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