Family Robotics Initiative Launches in Norfolk to Promote STEM Learning
A new initiative aimed at enhancing robotics and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for families has been launched in Norfolk, Nebraska. The program, known as Family Robotics Night, is the result of a collaboration between the iHub and Intersect Coworking and Incubator. Commencing in October 2025, this monthly program aims to engage families in hands-on learning experiences that are both educational and entertaining.
Held on the third Tuesday of each month from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Intersect Coworking and Incubator, located at 509 West Norfolk Avenue, Family Robotics Night offers an inviting environment for participants aged 9 to 14, alongside their parents or caregivers. Each session welcomes a maximum of 10 families, ensuring personalized attention and interaction. The program is free and designed to accommodate participants with varied levels of experience in robotics.
At each Family Robotics Night session, families collaborate to construct, program, and test their robots, tackling beginner-friendly challenges that stimulate problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork. These activities are facilitated by the knowledgeable team from iHub, focusing on foundational concepts in engineering, coding, and robotics that are essential for navigating real-world STEM and manufacturing career paths.
Henry Goeden, a robotics trainer at the iHub, emphasized the program’s supportive atmosphere. “Family Robotics Night allows students and their families to explore robotics together in a supportive, low-pressure environment. 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,” he stated.
The program has been designed to not only impart technical knowledge but also to foster connections among family members. Ben Gathje, ecosystem coordinator at Intersect Coworking and Incubator, expanded on the significance of this collaboration. “Intersect is more than a coworking space; it is a hub for entrepreneurs, innovators, and new ideas. Family Robotics Night introduces families to the 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.”
Registration is required for participation due to the limited capacity, with upcoming sessions set for February 17, March 17, and April 21. This initiative is a strategic effort to broaden access to STEM education, fortify the local talent pipeline, and promote sustained workforce and economic development within the region.
As communities increasingly recognize the importance of STEM education in preparing the workforce of tomorrow, programs like Family Robotics Night exemplify how engaging families in learning can create a ripple effect, enhancing skills and opportunities for future generations. This initiative not only piques interest in technical fields but also serves as a catalyst for strengthening community ties and fostering innovation in Norfolk.
