FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sept. 6, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- StarBot, Inc., a not-for-profit nationally recognized engineering and robotics organization dedicated to inspiring, engaging and educating the youth of South Florida for the past ten years, has teamed with MAKO Surgical Corp., to provide twenty students from the Theodore and Thelma Gibson Charter School of Miami-Dade County, Florida, with an exciting Robotics Program during the summer and fall of 2011.
The StarBot program implements the STEM education model provides science, technology, engineering, and mathematics educational enhancement to engage students at an early age in these critical academic areas. It is designed to offer students a foundation of early innovative thinking and development intended to give them a head start on their technological literacy.
"Usually kids start getting engaged in STEM related, project-based learning in late middle school or high school," said Nola Garcia, President of StarBot, Inc. "The commitment of the Gibson Charter School in providing elementary school students with the opportunity to gain understanding applicable to all their school courses is admirable," she said.
The extraordinary program includes an "Introduction to Engineering, Six Weeks, Six Projects" where the students receive an in-depth, hands-on experience of Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Industrial, Aerospace and Bio-Medical Engineering. "This is the beginning of a whole new way of learning to be problem solvers and global leaders," said Mr. Fareed Khan, principal Gibson Charter School. "We are grateful to StarBot and to MAKO Surgical Corp. for their generosity and support in making this program possible."
In celebration of this program, the School hosted its inaugural Engineering and Robotics Dinner for parents, students, staff, community members, and program partners. Maurice R. Ferré, M.D., Chairman, President, and CEO of MAKO was the guest of honor.
"MAKO is proud to support StarBot's robotics program, which provides students like those at Gibson Charter School with hands-on, life changing experiences, and exposure to new technology in a safe learning environment," said Dr. Ferré. "MAKO salutes StarBot's dedication to revolutionizing engineering and robotics education, and recognizes StarBot's continuing positive impact in the lives of many deserving students."
ABOUT STARBOT, INC.
StarBot, Inc. was founded in 2001 and is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students reach their full potential through engineering and robotics. Our main goal is to give young people the opportunity, education, experience and confidence needed to help them pursue a rewarding career in science, engineering and technology. We believe in the importance of cultivating fertile young minds to find innovative solutions to complex problems. Providing continuing education for teachers and instructors in the fields of robotics and engineering is a priority for the U.S. in the challenge it faces to provide a competitive workforce in the global market.