Family Robotics Initiative Launches Monthly STEM Program for Norfolk Families
Norfolk, NE – A new initiative designed to enhance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning is making waves in the community with the launch of “Family Robotics Night.” This program is a collaborative effort between the iHub and Intersect Coworking and Incubator aimed at fostering hands-on robotics education for families.
Kicking off in October 2025, Family Robotics Night is set to take place on the third Tuesday of each month from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Intersect Coworking and Incubator, located at 509 West Norfolk Avenue. Each session can accommodate up to 10 families, specifically targeting participants aged 9 to 14. The program is offered free of charge, making it accessible to a wider audience without the prerequisite of prior technical experience.
Throughout each session, family members are encouraged to collaborate to build, program, and test robots. Challenges are tailored for beginners and focus on essential skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork. The iHub team facilitates these activities, delivering lessons that align with foundational concepts in engineering, coding, and robotics that are increasingly pertinent to real-world applications. This ensures that participants not only engage in creative learning but also become familiar with pathways that can lead to careers in STEM fields.
Henry Goeden, a robotics trainer with the iHub, highlighted the program’s unique family-oriented approach. “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 and curiosity,” he stated. This initiative aims to create a shared understanding of the technical skills vital for future careers in STEM and manufacturing.
Ben Gathje, ecosystem coordinator at Intersect Coworking and Incubator, reinforced the broader objectives of this partnership: “Intersect is more than a coworking space. It is a hub for entrepreneurs, innovators, and new ideas,” he explained. “Family Robotics Night introduces families to the creativity and critical thinking that drive entrepreneurship, showcasing how early STEM experiences can lead to innovation and workforce development in Norfolk.”
The upcoming sessions are scheduled for February 17, March 17, and April 21. Due to limited capacity, interested families are required to register in advance.
Family Robotics Night is part of a sustained effort between the iHub and Intersect Coworking and Incubator to increase access to STEM education, ultimately contributing to the cultivation of local talent and long-term economic growth in the region. By nurturing interest in robotics and technology among young participants and their families, this initiative not only expands educational opportunities but also strengthens the community’s workforce pipeline in an increasingly tech-driven economy.