Robotics Training Expands STEM Career Exploration in Southern Minnesota

Educators across southern Minnesota are gaining new tools to introduce students to robotics, coding, engineering, and other high-demand career pathways.

Through Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Rural Experiential STEM Education Partnership Initiative, also known as RESEPI, participating educators complete an intensive Train-the-Trainers program focused on robotics education and classroom implementation.

Luverne & Fairmont Educators Participate in Regional Robotics Training

Educators from Luverne were among the participants representing schools across southern Minnesota. Other participating schools identified by Minnesota State University, Mankato included Waseca, Fairmont, and Tri-City United.

Luverne’s and Fairmont’s participation brings this regional opportunity into the Minnesota West Perkins Consortium and LYFT Career Pathways service area, helping educators build the knowledge and confidence needed to provide hands-on robotics instruction to local students.

Bringing Robotics Training Back to the Classroom

During the two-week program, educators and students receive hands-on experience with robot assembly, programming, coding, troubleshooting, and classroom implementation strategies.

After completing the training, participating schools receive robotics equipment and instructional resources that educators can use in their classrooms.

The Train-the-Trainers approach helps schools build sustainable robotics and STEM programming by preparing educators to lead the instruction themselves. This allows districts to grow their programs and reach more students over time.

Connecting STEM Learning with Future Careers

Robotics education provides students with more than technical knowledge. Hands-on projects help students strengthen creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Students can also learn how robotics, coding, and automation connect to careers in areas such as:

• Engineering
• Advanced manufacturing
• Information technology
• Automation
• Agriculture
• Health care
• Computer science

These experiences allow students to apply concepts from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while learning more about the careers available in their communities and across Minnesota.

Supporting LYFT Career Pathways Goals

Programs such as RESEPI support the goals of LYFT Career Pathways by connecting classroom learning with real-world skills and future career opportunities.

Educator training is an important part of that work. By giving teachers access to industry-relevant equipment, resources and professional learning, schools can provide meaningful career exploration experiences to more students throughout the region.

“What we’re doing is increasing accessibility to STEM education across Minnesota,” said Travis Thul, Vice President for Student Success and Engagement at Minnesota State University, Mankato. “We are providing teachers with the hands-on experience they need to bring advanced education into their schools.”

As technology continues to shape Minnesota’s workforce, opportunities like RESEPI help students explore the skills, industries and careers that may be part of their futures.

Learn More About RESEPI

Schools interested in learning more about the RESEPI program may contact Gwenn Wolters.