A new monthly program is bringing hands on robotics and STEM learning to families in Norfolk through a partnership between the iHub and Intersect Coworking and Incubator.
Family Robotics Night launched in October 2025 and is held once a month on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Intersect Coworking and Incubator, 509 West Norfolk Avenue. Each session is limited to 10 families and is designed for participants ages 9 to 14. The program is free and no prior experience is required.
During each session, families work together to build, program, and test robots while completing beginner friendly challenges focused on problem solving, creativity, and teamwork. Activities are facilitated by the iHub team and emphasize foundational engineering, coding, and robotics concepts aligned with real world STEM and manufacturing pathways.
The program was intentionally designed to include parents and caregivers alongside students, helping families better understand the skills, technologies, and career opportunities associated with STEM fields.
“Family Robotics Night allows students and their families to explore robotics together in a supportive, low-pressure environment,” said Henry Goeden, robotics trainer at the iHub. “When families learn side by side, it builds confidence, curiosity, and a shared understanding of the technical and problem-solving skills that are critical for future STEM and manufacturing careers.”
Ben Gathje, ecosystem coordinator at Intersect Coworking and Incubator, said the collaboration reflects Intersect’s broader mission of supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in the community.
“Intersect is more than a coworking space. It is a hub for entrepreneurs, innovators, and new ideas,” Gathje said. “Family Robotics Night introduces families to the same creativity, critical thinking, and technical skills that drive entrepreneurship. Partnering with the iHub allows us to connect early STEM experiences to the larger innovation and workforce ecosystem in Norfolk.”
Family Robotics Night takes place on the third Tuesday of each month, with upcoming sessions scheduled for February 17, March 17, and April 21. Registration is required due to limited capacity.
The program is part of an ongoing collaboration between the iHub and Intersect Coworking and Incubator to expand access to STEM education, strengthen the local talent pipeline, and support long term workforce and economic development in the region.
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