Last year, student teams from Gladstone secondary won first and second place at the VEX Robotics High School World Championship in California.

But at least two students from the schools powerhouse robotics program didnt make the trip south because they couldnt afford it. Robotics teacher Todd Ablett says several students this year could face the same fate if they cant raise enough money before the competition in Anaheim, Calif. next month.

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No one likes to admit they dont have the money to go, and so I think the need is even greater, Ablett said.

He said students are doing everything they can to raise money, but have only five weeks from qualifying to prepare.

The kids are building a bake sale robot right now to drive cookies around to get people to buy more cookies, Ablett said. Not only are we in an East Side community that doesnt have chunks of money to throw down for us, were in a situation where they have to spend time on the robot, otherwise were just going to participate and these guys want to go to win again.

Gladstones robotics program is a leader in the province. Five of the seven B.C. teams set to compete against hundreds of teams from around the world hail from the secondary school in Kensington-Cedar Cottage. Each student needs $1,250 to make the trip.

Grade 11 student Serinda Kong said marketing students are calling sponsors that have helped the robotics teams before. Four of the 31 Grade 9 to 12 robotics students hoping to head to California are girls, so Kong is seeking support from engineering organizations for women.

She said Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology has agreed to give the robotics teams $50 a day up to $500 if at least two Gladstone students volunteer at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre over spring break in a program to interest younger kids in engineering. Kong said a student in need of financial assistance plans to volunteer.

The students need to raise as much money as possible, according to Kong.

Because even if we can pay for everyone, we still need money for parts because robotic parts are quite expensive, she said. And to be the best at the worlds this year, we want to have all the resources we can.

Kong never realized how much she likes to work with her hands until a school counsellor suggested she try robotics. Now shes hooked.

In robotics, its a place where you can see people of all different skill levels working together, she said. Its hands-on tasks and it doesnt require all that brain knowledge. Its more like creativity, initiating a project and figuring out ways to make them work. Its a great way to develop teamworking skills and responsibility and communication.

Kong wants to study science, business or engineering after high school.

The Vancouver School Board, the B.C. Institute of Technology and the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of B.C. signed a memorandum of understanding at Gladstone on Monday that aims to improve career and training opportunities for young skilled workers interested in science, technology, engineering and math. Both Kong and Ablett lauded the move.

crossi@vancourier.com

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