Engineering in Urban Education: Robotics Outreach at Kiser Pre K-8 School

The University of Dayton's MEE 499 Engineering Service Learning, an upper level mechanical engineering course will partner with Kiser Neighborhood School a Dayton Public School that serves pre-kindergarten through 8th grade students. Engineering students will learn about urban education and conditions in an urban setting. They will develop and practice fundamental engineering, leadership, communication and teamwork skills. Engineering students will be positive role models as they expose middle school students to hands-on applications of science and math within the field of engineering. The engineers and Kiser teachers aligning with the state and national teaching standards will develop curriculum. The Learn and Serve America, Great Cities Great Service grant led by Otterbein College, Ohio Campus Compact, and University of Cincinnati is a state-wide consortium to mobilize college students and urban youth volunteers in civic service through their model initiative, youthLEAD (Learn, Engage, Act & Decide). Twelve campuses are currently incorporating youthLEAD into one or more service-learning courses on their campuses. Participants serve side-by-side with urban youth as capacity builders, solving community problems, serving those living in poverty, and strengthening urban wellness.