Northeast Community College’s iHub welcomed more than 240 students this summer to a series of hands-on camps focused on robotics, coding, and STEM exploration.
Over the course of eight weeks in June and July, the iHub led 14 summer camp programs across five communities – Norfolk, Randolph, South Sioux City, West Point and O’Neill – serving students in kindergarten through 12th grade, with most participants in grades four to eight.
The camps were supported not only by iHub staff but also by additional Northeast faculty members who contributed their expertise.
Trevor Bailey, Information Technology instructor, and Courtney Nelson, Precision Agriculture instructor, helped lead specialized activities tied to their fields, giving students exposure to a range of technology-driven career paths available through the college.
Throughout the camps, students were introduced to foundational robotics and coding concepts through interactive challenges. Using programmable robots, participants explored how to apply real-world technology like color sensors, distance finders, and motor controls to complete a series of missions.
They worked in teams to troubleshoot problems, test ideas, and improve designs all while developing critical thinking and communication skills.
“These camps are about more than just robots,” said Henry Goeden, iHub Robotics trainer and camp instructor. “They give students a chance to learn by doing, to be creative, and to gain confidence in new skills. Watching them grow over the course of just a few days is really powerful.”
The summer camps are part of iHub’s broader efforts to expand access to STEM education throughout northeast Nebraska. With a focus on workforce development and industry alignment, the iHub introduces students to technologies and career paths that exist right in their own communities.
“Every camp is a spark,” said Erin Sharpe, director of iHub. “Our community has seen firsthand the power that youth robotics and robotics teams can have on students. These experiences build confidence, teamwork, and technical skills. We believe every student deserves the opportunity to explore, create, and discover what they’re capable of. Our goal is to expand access to those opportunities across our entire 20-county region.”
The iHub serves as a regional hub for workforce innovation, offering hands-on training, robotics and STEM programming, and collaborative solutions that connect students, educators, communities, and employers across the college’s 20-county region
Want to learn more?
If your school or organization would like more information on robotics, ways to partner with the iHub and robotics outreach this upcoming year, please contact Erin Sharpe at esorensen@northeast.edu
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