Energy & Electronics instructor Aaron Barker received the 2023 Community Catalyst Award for his involvement in the statewide VEX Robotics program.
Barker started the VEX Robotics program in 2011 with 45 teams, and it has grown to more than 400 throughout the state.
The competition-based program is for students in elementary school all the way through college to work on designing, building, and programming robots to compete in a game that changes every year.
“VEX Robotics is a community event supported by SCTCC and Sponsors from across the State,” said Barker. “This award would not be possible if not for the thousands of volunteers, coaches, mentors, and supporters to make VEX Robotics possible in Minnesota.”
Barker and SCTCC are set to host the 13th Annual Minnesota VEX Robotics State Championship on March 2-4 at River’s Edge Convention Center. More than 200 teams will converge to compete over the weekend for a shot at qualifying for the World Championship in Dallas.
Students on the teams learn more than just robotics: they learn a combination of hard and soft skills, which are crucial to entering the workforce. The experience of being on the robotics teams lead many to choose a STEAM major in college and enter the skilled workforce.
VEX Robotics is the fastest-growing extra-curricular or club activity in Minnesota, and Barker and SCTCC are proud to have been and continue to be at the forefront.