We wrapped up our inaugural BOOST Program (Boys Optimizing Alternatives in STEM and Know-how) — a week-long, hands-on academy designed to ignite curiosity in STEM and robotics amongst highschool boys. From April 21–25, 2025, college students dove deep into fabrication, electronics, and programming, whereas additionally partaking instantly with the world of superior manufacturing and robotics by business web site visits and technical workshops.
All through the week, individuals rolled up their sleeves and gained real-world expertise in electronics, programming, and fabrication. From circuit design to coding microcontrollers, the BOOST program was all about constructing expertise — and confidence — by guided, sensible studying.
One of many highlights of BOOST was our go to to Autodesk, the place college students explored the ability of computer-aided design and simulation. They have been challenged to design their very own ideally suited robots utilizing skilled CAD instruments, giving them a firsthand take a look at how trendy engineering begins with digital creativity.
At Locus Robotics college students noticed warehouse automation in motion. They discovered how Locus designs, checks, and assembles their success robots, and the way these techniques are deployed at buyer websites around the globe. It was an eye-opening view into robotics in logistics — and a sneak peek at future job alternatives.
We additionally visited Harmonic Drive, a longtime MassRobotics sponsor and precision drive know-how chief. The group heard from business professionals, toured the manufacturing ground, and discovered how mechanical engineering and robotics come collectively to energy a number of the world’s most subtle machines.
Throughout lunch breaks, BOOST individuals had the distinctive alternative to interact in casual conversations with startup founders from the MassRobotics neighborhood. These founders shared their private profession journeys, the challenges they confronted in launching and rising their corporations, and the teachings they discovered alongside the way in which. For a lot of college students, listening to these real-world tales introduced the thought of a profession in tech or entrepreneurship to life in a means that classroom studying can’t. The candid recommendation and encouragement they acquired helped demystify the startup world and sparked new confidence and curiosity about their very own futures in STEM.
The week culminated in a ultimate undertaking: constructing robotic automobiles from the bottom up. Utilizing the abilities they developed all through this system — from electronics and sensors to design and coding — college students created practical robots, which they showcased throughout a ultimate presentation and demo session.
Every pupil proudly shared their robotic creation, strolling by the design selections, challenges, and classes discovered. Their creativity, teamwork, and progress over simply 5 days have been actually inspiring to witness.
An enormous thanks to all of our companions, mentors, and supporters who made the first-ever BOOST Academy a hit — and to the superb college students who introduced their curiosity, vitality, and enthusiasm to each second.
