Empowering the next generation of innovators starts with empowering the educators who inspire them.
On September 9–10, Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County staff and educators participated in a hands-on VEX IQ Training at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium. The professional development opportunity provided participants with practical tools, knowledge, and confidence to bring engaging robotics, coding, and STEM experiences back to Club members across Palm Beach County.
Throughout the training, participants explored VEXcode IQ programming, robotics curriculum, and the fundamentals of building and operating VEX IQ robots. Through hands-on activities, educators experienced firsthand how robotics can transform STEM concepts into interactive learning opportunities for young people.
The training also emphasized that robotics goes far beyond building and programming a robot. These experiences encourage young people to collaborate, think critically, solve problems, experiment with new ideas and learn through trial and error — skills that can help prepare them for success in school, future careers and beyond.
By investing in professional development opportunities like VEX IQ Training, Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County continues to strengthen its commitment to preparing youth for an increasingly technology-driven future. Equipping staff and educators with new resources allows them to create meaningful experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and expose Club members to possibilities in science, technology, engineering, and related career pathways.
Strong community partnerships also play an important role in expanding these opportunities. Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County is grateful to the Cox Science Center and Aquarium for its partnership and commitment to making STEM education approachable, exciting, and hands-on.
Through experiences like VEX IQ, Club members can see how coding, engineering, creativity, and teamwork come together while gaining the confidence to imagine themselves as the innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders of tomorrow.
