K-12 Math and Science Robotics Program Outreach

The Math and Science programs of the local K-12 are vital to the success and long term health of Ohlone's Technology Programs. Without students from the high schools with a background in math and sciences none of the college's technology related programs much less robotics can survive. Although society becomes more and more reliant on technology, there is no corresponding growth in the number of students taking math and sciences classes in the K-12 nationally. If we use the number of engineering graduates as a yardstick to measure the status of interest in math and science programs, the national trend appears to indicate a decline in math and science students. Some statistics about engineering students are quite startling - less than 18% of high school graduates are competent in math and science, only 5% of undergraduate degrees are in engineering (in China this is 45%) , and 60% of PhDs are awarded to foreigners. The federal government and many employers recognize that this situation will not heal itself and has made efforts to reverse these trends.

Ohlone recognizes that this not a job which a quick band aid will repair - it also recognizes that any solutions will require a partnership of the college, the local K-12, industry and four year schools. The Science, Technology, and Engineering Division of Ohlone already has existing and proposed Outreach programs and activities to promote and support technical education. A list of those existing outreach programs and activities are listed later in this document. The Department would like to expand this Outreach - not only in number of programs and activities but also in the diversity of its participants. The ultimate goal of this expansion will be to create a partnership between the college, the K-12 educators, and local industry . This partnership cannot be built overnight - relationship must be developed overtime. The immediate goal will be to first establish this relationship with the local high school math and science teachers. We would like to find a venue to obtain their thoughts on how this Outreach could benefit their particular programs.

Currently I am in the process of obtaining the names of the math and science teachers for the Fremont Unified School District, the ROP, Newark Memorial High School, and New Haven. From this list I hope to meet with them to exchange ideas on how to develop the infrastructure to engage them in this Outreach. Until this meeting occurs, this portion of the website will contain information about the current and proposed Ohlone Outreach Programs and Activities and a list of ideas for future programs and activities.

• K-12 Outreach Programs – Current and Proposed
• Mentoring Program with Cabrillo Neighborhood
• Ohlone for Kids – Robotics
• Newark Memorial High School – Open House for NMHS Math/Science Faculty
• Robotics Training for K-12 Teachers
• Mentoring Program for Women In Engineering
• Hosting of Robotic Competitions and Demonstrations on Campus
• Father and Daughter Days - Families work on a Robotic Project for a Weekend