Newton High School Robotics Team Receives $81,000 in Grants
URGENT UPDATE: The Newton High School robotics team has just secured a groundbreaking total of $81,000 in grants, transforming their capabilities and opportunities for innovation. The Jasper Community Foundation awarded $3,000, while the Fred Maytag Family Foundation contributed an impressive $78,000. These vital funds were confirmed during school board meetings held in August and September 2023.
This grant funding has enabled significant upgrades to the robotics lab, turning it into a state-of-the-art maker space. Coach Derek Blair, who is also the industrial tech teacher, expressed excitement over the transformation. “We turned the robotics lab into more of a maker space where we can do some pretty cool stuff with our students,” he stated.
The enhancements to the lab include new hand tools, a label maker, tool carts, display boards, a Canon camera, measuring tools, and a dedicated CAD computer for the Newbotics Club. The Jasper Community Foundation’s support also facilitated essential lab upgrades, allowing students to access cutting-edge technology, including 3D printers, laser engravers, and a water jet cutter.
Blair highlighted the significance of these new tools, stating, “We were able to buy some new PCs, which are for programming.” He emphasized the importance of integrating computer-aided design (CAD) into their curriculum. The new CAD computer will enhance collaboration between students in computer science and those in engineering and industrial tech.
The advanced equipment positions the Newbotics Club to compete effectively against peers from the Des Moines metro area, where resources are abundant. “We’re competing with schools that have tons of corporations and a whole lot of resources that allow them to collaborate a little bit more than we have here,” Blair noted.
The grants from the Jasper Community Foundation and Fred Maytag Family Foundation are not just about tools; they represent a commitment to empowering students. With the new capabilities, students expressed enthusiasm during the school board meetings, stating that the upgrades would be beneficial this season and in the years to come.
The large format Epson printer allows students to print blueprints and even created a giant check to celebrate the grant from the Fred Maytag Family Foundation. Blair remarked on the significance of the water jet cutter, which he described as a massive upgrade, enabling the fabrication of metal parts that were previously unattainable.
The impact of these grants is profound, equipping students at Newton High School to compete on a level comparable to more resource-rich schools in the region. “We can really compete on a level that’s comparable to some of those schools,” Blair affirmed.
As the Newbotics Club gears up for an exciting season, the community’s support underscores a collaborative effort to foster innovation and creativity among students. The momentum is building, and the future looks bright for the robotics team at Newton High School.
