Empowering Future Innovators

About Us

Welcome to a world where curiosity meets technology and innovation. The Okanagan AI and Robotics Academy is more than just a learning center. It is a place where young minds are nurtured to explore, create, and innovate. Our academy is dedicated to making high-quality STEM education accessible in Vernon and beyond.

Our Vision and Journey

The founders wholeheartedly believe in the transformative power of STEM education. Parvathi Rajeevan, the academy’s Director and owner, is an experienced educator in robotics who relocated to Vernon from Dallas, USA, to conduct her master’s research at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna. Her husband, Renjith Madhavan, brings nearly two decades of experience as a seasoned data engineer and technology expert, providing invaluable mentorship to our academy coaches. Their two boys are also enthusiastically involved in the academy’s programs.

Catering to All Ages and Skill Levels

Recognizing the diverse interests and capabilities of our students, we offer specialized programs for three main age groups:

• Beginner (6 to 10 years): Where young learners are introduced to the basics of coding and robotics in a fun, engaging manner.
• Intermediate (10 to 14 years): Designed for students to explore deeper into programming, robotics, and design engineering.
• Advanced (14 years and above): Tailored for teens and high school students, offering advanced courses and projects in coding and robotics

Our approach goes beyond age, as we assess each student’s previous experience and skill level to ensure they are placed where they will thrive the most.

Robotics Competitions Coaching: Through our focused coaching for FIRST competitions, we guide students to look beyond the contest itself, preparing them for future careers across various fields. FIRST’s comprehensive framework emphasizes essential skills including design thinking, engineering fundamentals, and research methodologies. This ensures participants are not just primed for success in competitions but are also equipped with a robust set of skills critical for navigating and excelling in any career path.

Why FIRST Robotics?

At Okanagan AI and Robotics Academy, we specifically choose and recommend FIRST Robotics competitions for our students due to the unparalleled opportunities they offer in terms of learning, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) provides a comprehensive, engaging, and hands-on approach to STEM education, encouraging students to innovate, design, and compete in a supportive environment.

We believe that FIRST stands out for several reasons:

• Community and Mentorship: FIRST offers a global community of mentors, educators, and professionals all dedicated to inspiring the next generation of innovators.
• Comprehensive Learning: The program spans all age groups with a progression from LEGO-based robotics for younger students to advanced engineering challenges for high school students, ensuring a continuous and developmental learning experience.

For more information about FIRST and its impact, we encourage you to visit the following resources:

• FIRST Inspires
• Discussions and comparisons of various robotics competitions on Chief Delphi
• An in-depth comparison of VEX and FIRST competitions here
• Additional insights into robotics competition choices on Robofest and Reddit

Why Join Us?

At the Okanagan AI and Robotics Academy, we are not just educators; we are a family passionate about empowering students to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Feel free to write to us at okanaganaiandrobotics@gmail.com with any questions.