The Boys and Girls Club South East in Kingston, Ontario, began looking into expanding its Bath Road location in conjunction with the redevelopment of the Frontenac Mall over a year and a half ago. The club ultimately added 9,200 square feet to its facility and decided to utilize the additional space for a variety of programs related to STEM education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This included the relocation of the Kingston Robotics Lab from Railway Street to the Bath Road location. The project received financial support from the provincial and federal governments, with a $70,000 grant for accessibility improvements from the federal government and $150,000 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation for further renovations.
Local politicians, including Kingston and the Islands MPP Mark Gerretsen and Ted Hsu, expressed their support for the project, emphasizing the importance of providing inclusive and accessible services for children in the community. Hsu, who has a background in physics and has been involved in the competitive robotics scene in Kingston, highlighted the significance of the initiative. By making robotics more accessible to children across Kingston, the Boys and Girls Club aims to not only foster an interest in robotics but also encourage exploration of other STEM fields such as science, technology, engineering, and math. The expansion of the facility will enable the club to offer a wider range of programming options for youth in the community.
The addition of the robotics lab to the Boys and Girls Club South East’s Bath Road location is expected to open up new opportunities for children and youth to engage with technology and develop essential skills for the future. Compeau emphasized the importance of incorporating engineering and design into the curriculum, thereby highlighting the growing focus on STEM education for children and youth. While further funding is needed for renovations to transform the space into a fully functional robotics workshop, the goal is to have the facility ready and offering programming by September. The project reflects a commitment to providing enriching and educational experiences for young people in the Kingston area.
The involvement of local politicians and community members in supporting the Boys and Girls Club South East’s expansion project demonstrates the value placed on providing accessible and inclusive services for children and youth. By relocating the Kingston Robotics Lab and expanding programming to include STEM education, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the club seeks to broaden opportunities for young people in the community to explore various fields of interest. The focus on robotics and other STEM subjects not only promotes learning and skill development but also encourages creativity and exploration. The project represents an investment in the future of Kingston’s youth and a commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for children in the community.
Overall, the expansion of the Boys and Girls Club South East’s Bath Road location to include a robotics lab and STEM programming underscores the importance of providing diverse educational opportunities for children and youth. With financial support from government grants and backing from local politicians and community members, the project aims to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for young people in the Kingston area. By offering a range of programs related to science, technology, engineering, and math, the club is not only providing valuable learning experiences but also fostering a passion for innovation and skill development. The initiative reflects a commitment to empowering youth and preparing them for a future that increasingly values STEM education and technology proficiency.
