KAANAPALI (HawaiiNewsNow) \- Students from several Maui schools took center stage at the Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) annual fundraising event, showcasing their robotics projects to a supportive audience. The evening, themed \”Pathways to our Future!\”, highlighted hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). n nParticipants from Maui High, Maui Waena Intermediate, Lahainaluna High, and Pukalani Elementary demonstrated robots they had designed, constructed, and coded to perform specific tasks. For many, the experience has deepened interest in technical careers. n n\”It’s especially valuable for those considering engineering careers,\” said Yesha Calivo, a member of the Lahinaluna Robotics Team. Jordan Losano, a student at Maui Waena Intermediate, noted that the program strengthened his ability to think critically under pressure. His classmate, Jaysen Acoba, added that robotics often sparks a lasting passion, even for those who initially aren’t drawn to engineering. n nMEDB aims to broaden Maui County’s economic base by nurturing a skilled workforce in science and technology. According to Jennifer Suzuki, the STEMworks coordinator at Maui Waena, alumni of the program now work as doctors, engineers, and researchers. n nLeslie Wilkins, CEO of MEDB, shared that the organization has trained more than 2,000 public school educators to become certified in computer science, with many now integrating artificial intelligence tools into their classrooms. n nProceeds from the gala will support the Ke Alahele Education Fund, which backs STEM initiatives across the island. Dominick Quiwa from Maui High’s robotics team emphasized that financial support is crucial, enabling more students to access enriching STEM experiences. n nMaui Mayor Richard Bissen praised the students’ enthusiasm, describing them as eager learners who deliver impressive outcomes. Educators report growing enrollment in robotics programs, signaling strong momentum for STEM education on the island. n— news from Hawaii News Now\n\n— News Original —\nMaui Economic Development Board raises funds for STEM education\nKAANAPALI (HawaiiNewsNow) – Robotics teams from the Valley Isle took the spotlight at the Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) annual benefit Saturday night. n nThis year’s theme: Pathways to our Future! n nStudents from Maui High, Maui Waena Intermediate, Lahainaluna High, and Pukalani Elementary School showed off robots they designed, built, and programmed to complete tasks and challenges. n n“It’s especially useful for students going into the engineering pathway,” said Yesha Calivo with the Lahinaluna Robotics Team. n n“It taught me how to solve problems under pressure,” said Jordan Losano, a student at Maui Waena Intermediate. n n“Especially if you’re into engineering, and if you’re not, you most likely will be after you get into robotics,” said fellow Maui Waena Intermediate student Jaysen Acoba. n nMEDB’s goal is to help diversify Maui County’s economy, and it hopes that students equipped with these skills will lead to a stronger science and technology workforce on Maui. n n“I’ve got doctors that I still keep in touch with, engineers, scientists who have all gone through the program,” said Jennifer Suzuki, Maui Waena STEMworks coordinator. n n“We have helped train over 2,000 Department of Education teachers to be certified in computer science teachers, and now they are learning AI to be used in the classroom,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB CEO. n nAt the gala, money was raised for the nonprofit’s Ke Alahele Education Fund for STEM and technology programs. n n“One of our biggest burdens is finances, so having the support from MEDB and other sponsors helps students be able to experience and explore more STEM opportunities,” said Dominick Quiwa with the Maui High School Robotics Team n n“It’s the future, and the kids are so interested in this. They’re sponges, they take it all in and producing incredible results and we want to continue encouraging them,” said Maui Mayor Richard Bissen. n nTeachers said that more students are signing up to join robotics teams and that the future of STEM on the Valley Isle is looking bright.
