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On August 31, 2024, OAF (Orphans Assistance Fund) partnered with Road2 Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students have a platform for career exploration, collaboration with peers, and resources for success. The SoccerBots Initiative was a STEM event in which foster youth ages 5-14 worked with volunteers from OAF and Road2 to build robots that could kick soccer balls through remote control. Kids had the opportunity to socialize with their team members and other participants, as well as partake in competitions for fun prizes.
An hour prior to the commencement of the event, OAF and Road2 volunteers arrived at the Jerome Center to set up. Chairs were arranged for the opening presentation, and Road2 organized the robotics kits and materials needed for the competition track and soccer arena. The area was decorated with balloons and a banner for sponsors.
At 10 AM, the participants began arriving, checking in with the receptionist desk outside the hall. Upon entering, they were welcomed by volunteers, who each partnered with one to two kids. Once check-in was complete, Stella Lim--Road2's software engineer--gave an opening presentation regarding the event schedule, Road2's mission, and the code/wiring for the robots.
Volunteers passed out the robotics kits, and kids collaborated with their volunteer buddies from 11 AM - 12 AM to create their robot.
After completing the robots, the kids went outside to eat pizza and snacks, and play in the field with volunteers and friends. Meanwhile, Road2 staff prepared for the competitions inside. They connected the robots to a phone-based remote control with bluetooth, and built the race track and soccer arena.
At 1 PM, the kids returned to the hall, where Road2 founder and CEO Ajay Shah announced the first competition: racing. Each competitor introduced the name of their robot, and as the races ensued, the kids gathered around to watch and cheer. The next competition, as announced by Shah, was soccer. Similar to the racing matches, the kids competed for raffle tickets.
Finally, once the competitions concluded at 1:45 PM, volunteers hosted the raffle, and winners had the opportunity to get headphones, speakers, and LED lamps. Afterwards, the kids got picked up, and volunteers cleaned up until 2:30 PM.
We would like to sincerely thank our sponsors for this event. Without them, the success of the SoccerBots Initiative would not have been possible.
About the Orphan Assistance Fund:
The Orphan Assistance Fund is committed to supporting foster and orphaned youth by harnessing the power of the student body. Through educational initiatives, mentorship, service, and advocacy, we aim to empower young leaders to make a positive impact and form meaningful connections within their local foster care community. For more information, please visit orphanassistancefund.org, or follow us on social media.
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