100 Scholars Robotics Alliance
Organization
100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc.
Atlanta, GA
Program
100 Scholars Robotics Alliance
Partners
Johnson STEM Activity Center
FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology)
Millennium Training Systems
Contact Information
100 Scholars Robotics Alliance
Otis Threatt,
Director of Partnerships
101 Jackson Street N.E., 2nd Floor
Atlanta, GA 30312
404.525.6220
Email
In 1986, a group of business leaders formed 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc. (The 100). Their mission is to empower and inspire underprivileged African-American youth in Atlanta who, because of structural income inequality, are being left behind in the classroom and in life.
Since working with the 100 Scholars Robotics Alliance, the participation of minority youth in the FIRST LEGO League has almost doubled, and the success rate of those participants has almost tripled. … This program has created a sustainability model for youth interest and success in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).”
In 2006, The 100 collaborated with Millennium Training Systems (MTS), Johnson STEM Activity Center (JSAC) and FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) to create the 100 Scholars Robotics Alliance. This groundbreaking after-school and summer program provides students hands-on opportunities to plan, build, test and modify their own robots and to compete on a FIRST team, based on their age or experience.
MTS is responsible for day-to-day operations of the program. Bart Sudderth developed and implemented a STEM curriculum comprised of NASA educational materials that is used in conjunction with FIRST competitions. Dr. Lonnie Johnson, founder of JSAC, is an inventor and former NASA scientist who provides mentoring and a home for the 100 Scholars Robotics Alliance. FIRST is an international youth competition that motivates youth to pursue educational and career opportunities in STEM.
“Youth in underserved school districts aren’t any less intelligent than other students; they simply lack exposure, guidance and the chance to show they can excel. The 100 Scholars Robotics Alliance provides that opportunity by helping students build self-confidence and life skills essential for success,” said Kevin Gooch, Chairman of 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc. “To date, more than 10,000 students in underserved communities across the state have become part of the 100 Scholars Robotics Alliance, giving Georgia the highest participation rate in the country for minority students in youth STEM programs.
The Robotics Alliance helped me recalculate the trajectory of my life. 100 Black Men of Atlanta’s STEM program shifted me from being part of the 30% in my neighborhood who won’t make it out of high school to becoming a college student.”