An Española YMCA Teen Center team member demonstrates the team’s watering system during an international robotics competition last summer in China. Courtesy/Family YMCA

YMCA News:

The Family YMCA invites people to nominate The Española YMCA Teen Center for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s STEM awards in the nonprofit category.

Española YMCA Teen Center Director Ben Sandoval took a team of three young people to China in summer 2019 to compete in the robotics international program. The team earned a first place in the Entrepreneurial Division for their designed watering system.

The nomination link can be found at https://www.afrlnewmexico.com/stemys. The survey will request the organization’s name, Española YMCA Teen Center; their contact name, Ben Sandoval, and email and phone:  b_sandoval@live.com, phone 505.747.6569.

Since 2007, this Center has supported students with homework help and tutoring. Beginning in 2012 with initial robots lent from Los Alamos National Laboratory, the Center has hosted a healthy robotics program and competed in international competitions, garnering the support of numerous public and private entities.

The goal of the center’s STEM efforts is to enhance youth efficacy, support current educational endeavors and encourage continuing education. In 2019, the Center served 800 teens with educational programs and tutoring.

Monthly, the Center Director Ben Sandoval engages with 40 community partners to support youth, through the Community Health Council and numerous other resource groups.

Nominations close Jan. 31.