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
As a family-owned small business, we 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.
Program Highlights
- Vacation Camps: A blend of fun and learning, these camps offer a comprehensive introduction to STEM, including coding, robotics, and 3D modeling, tailored for students from elementary to high school.
- After School Programs: Held at Heritage Hall, Okanagan Science Center, our after-school sessions are a cornerstone of continuous STEM learning:
- Mondays 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM for groups beginner, intermediate and advanced
- Starting April 30th, 2024
- Tuesdays 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM for Intermediate/Middle School students,
- Thursdays 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM for High School and Advanced students.
- Robotics Competitions Coaching: Emphasizing competitions like FIRST, our coaching prepares students for success in robotics competitions.
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
Location: Heritage Hall, Okanagan Science Center
While we operate independently, our close relationship with the Okanagan Science Center has been instrumental in our journey, providing us with a venue to host our transformative programs. This friendly relationship underscores our commitment to fostering a supportive STEM community in Vernon and the surrounding areas.
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.