Embracing Technology at a Young Age

SSP Foundation Underwater Robotics Team.

By Ed Martinez

June 24, 2009

If there is one thing that can help solve some of the problems we face today, it is the innovation of our youth. At a time when we yearn for revolutionary advancements in technology, exposing our children to technology at an early age has never been more important.

Throughout the 20th century, we witnessed a rapid evolution of science and technology. We saw the birth of electricity and took to the stars, as we began the exploration of space and beyond.

Technology now, is crucial, as we look for ways to become energy-independent and improve our lives. There are a group of young students that are learning about science and technology in a unique way. “Have you ever heard of kids that wanted to be in school on a Saturday?” cheerfully shares Alberto Esparza, President and CEO of Si Se Puede Foundation (SSP), when referring to his robotics program in Chandler.

Esparza, a native to Arizona, started the foundation back in 1994. “I wanted to give back to the community,” he adds. Concerned with high dropout rates and an unwelcome increase in gang membership, he sought to help young students by offering them alternative programs to keep them focused on school. The programs included youth-related sports, arts and tutorial assistance. It was a great way for kids to follow instruction and help them improve their self-esteem, and respect for each other. Thousands of students have participated and benefited from these programs over the years.

About three-and-a-half years ago, Esparza added the robotics program. His program helps develop skills in computer programming and math. They learn how to build, design and program Lego and underwater robots to compete in local and regional competitions with other schools. “They learn how to work together ... how to solve problems,” he adds. The program currently has about 85 students enrolled, and it is offered to six city schools. “Because of the program, they all want to be engineers and astronauts someday,” adds Esparza.

That may become a reality for these kids. Recently, two students were honored with Millennium Gates scholarships. Bill Gates and his wife fund the Millennium Gates Scholarship. Since its inception, they have funded more than 13,000 scholars. “One of the kids received a scholarship valued at $280,000 ... that will cover his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees,” concludes Esparza.

There is only one roadblock for the robotics program—funding. Earlier this year, they felt the impact of the lagging economy, and lost funding from the city. They are now operating with very limited funds and the foundation is looking for sponsors and donations to keep the program alive. “The funding has been very difficult ... we are using older robots now ... that we purchased about three-and-a-half years ago. The equipment we have now is pretty much running on their last legs,“ notes Esparza.

Esparza’s program is crucial at this time, especially when Americans are competing in a global arena. It was the President of the United States who said, “We can’t afford our kids to be mediocre at a time when they’re competing against kids in China and kids in India.”  Hopefully the Si Se Puede program and others like it will help our youth find new success in this field.