ROBOTICS AND ENGINEERING PROGRAM
| Lead Subaward Institution: Chaffey Joint Union High School District | Pathway: Engineering |
| Date Funded: July 2024 | |Amount Awarded: $804,024 | Project Completion: June 2027 |
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Colton Joint Union High School District’s Robotics and Engineering Program project connects classroom learning with hands-on STEM experiences to help students explore careers in engineering and technology. Through collaboration with education, workforce, and industry partners, the project strengthens opportunities for students to build technical skills, pursue further education, and prepare for future careers.
Students apply engineering concepts through robot design, fabrication, programming, testing, and competition. Opportunities such as FIRST Tech Challenge and Sustainable Lightweight Combat Robotics encourage students to solve problems, refine their designs, and collaborate as a team. Investments in equipment, instructional resources, and educator professional development support these experiences and help sustain robotics programs across participating schools.
Partnerships with UCR Extension, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Workforce/Alliance for Education, and regional education and industry organizations connect students and educators with additional learning, technical training, and career exploration opportunities.
By combining practical experience, educator support, and regional collaboration, the project expands access to engaging STEM learning and helps students build the skills and confidence to advance toward college and careers in engineering and technology.
Recovery with Equity Strategies: Cultivate inclusive, engaging and equity-oriented learning environments; Retain students through inclusive support; Provide high-tech, high touch advising; Support college preparation and early credit
“Robotics gives students the opportunity to turn ideas into working designs, learn through collaboration, and see themselves as future engineers and innovators.”
PROJECT IMPACT
CJUHSD’s Robotics and Engineering project has expanded students’ access to hands-on STEM learning, connecting classroom concepts with practical applications in robot design, fabrication, programming, and competition. Through these experiences, students strengthen their technical, problem-solving, and teamwork skills while exploring college and career opportunities in engineering and technology. Investments in equipment, educator professional development, and partnerships with higher education and workforce organizations have strengthened the foundation for continued student participation and sustained robotics programming.
Supported students and educators in earning UCR Extension Applied Cybersecurity Fundamentals certificates.
Engaged students in FIRST Tech Challenge and Sustainable Lightweight Combat Robotics competitions, applying engineering, programming, and teamwork skills.
Expanded K–8 STEM infrastructure with OMSD, including STEAM programming and 3D printer distribution to middle schools.
KEY MILESTONES
IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
Expanding engineering education. Creating future opportunities.
Robotics & Engineering
CJUHSD students participating in robotics and engineering courses.
STEM Certificate Enrollment
High school students enrolled in the UCR Extension Academic STEM Certificate program.
K–8 Engineering Pathway
OMSD students represented within the K–8 Engineering Career Pathway.
PROJECT PARTNERS
This work is made possible thanks to the support of these and many additional regional partners.
