The most rewarding work we do as founders isn’t raising capital or signing clients. It’s helping kids in Detroit discover technology
The next generation wants heroes 🦸🏾♂️ that look like, grew up like and think like them. As parents, we often complain that kids want to be YouTubers or TikTokers instead of NASA Scientists, Doctors etc. We complain that they stare at their phones instead of looking at or listening to us.
But too often, we ask kids to dream big without showing up to support them.
A student recently asked me:
“What are professionals like you doing to make education in Detroit better for students like me?”
I told them: “I help get Detroit high school robotics teams sponsored.”
Michigan has over 600 FIRST Robotics teams, more than any other state. In Detroit, the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation hosts 10 high school teams through the Robotics Engineering Center of Detroit, funded by The Ideal Group, Inc.
This year, Team 4680, the Aztech Eagles from Cesar Chavez Academy High School, won at Wayne State University and qualified for the FIRST Robotics World Championships in Houston. They couldn’t afford to fly, so they took a bus. But they made it and had the time of their lives, thanks to support from local businesses.
That’s why Eric C. from Detroit Manufacturing Systems (DMS), Alexander Montesinos and I spend our time outside of work supporting STEM students in Southwest Detroit, connecting them to the resources they need to compete with peers in better-funded districts. Their success is our success.
We are building bridges between Detroit’s young inventors and local startups at Newlab like wheel.me and Penny Pickup at Kinetyc like LIVAQ, connecting students with internships where they can thrive.
Kids who learn here, feel supported here, will want to work here. We are creating pathways for students to explore STEM, compete nationally, and see that careers in tech and manufacturing are not just possible, but are here right now.
If you are interested in this initiative please reach out to me, Eric C. from Detroit Manufacturing Systems (DMS) or Alexander Montesinos Teams need build space and corporate sponsors.
If you want to learn more about STEM opportunities in Metro Detroit, take a look at CODE313, Google Code Next Motor City Alliance Michigan Engineering Zone
Black Tech Saturdays Michigan Economic Development Corporation The Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation SHPE Detroit Professional National Society of Black Engineers Women In Defense.