West Island Black Community Association

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

The West Island Black Community Association (WIBCA) continues to break barriers in STEM education through its successful robotics program.

When Petal Steele launched WIBCA’s STEM & Robotics Program in September 2021 with support from RBC’s Pay It Forward grant, she envisioned creating opportunities for Black youth in the West Island. Two and a half years later, that vision has transformed into a powerhouse program that’s turning heads across Quebec’s competitive robotics scene.

{p class=”css-qffaiu”}This year marked a watershed moment for the West Island Black Community Association (WIBCA) as 28 students – split between two junior teams and the program’s first-ever senior team – competed in the prestigious CRC Robotics Competition. The senior team’s debut, featuring 16 ambitious students aged 14-17, represents the program’s remarkable evolution from its humble beginnings.

In a recent interview with The Suburban, WIBCA President Joan Lee shared insights about their groundbreaking initiative, which has become a beacon of opportunity for local youth interested in technology and engineering.

“The robotics competition is a fantastic opportunity for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) kids to compete in the CRC competition because usually they don’t get that chance,” Lee explained. She emphasized the program’s commitment to accessibility: “What’s amazing about WIBCA’s program is that it is free for the children and they don’t need to have the greatest grades in math — we take everyone.”

The team’s recent participation in the Canadian Robotics Competition (CRC) marked a historic milestone. Seventeen high school students, aged 14 to 17, competed against 29 other institutions, including West-Island College, Ste-Anne College, Dawson College, and Vanier College. The competition, held at St-Pius School, challenged teams to develop a video presentation, create a kiosk stall, build a robot, and program it to perform specific tasks such as throwing a disk.

The preparation for the competition was intensive, with students dedicating countless hours to perfecting their robot’s design and functionality. Team members worked collaboratively, splitting their efforts between programming, mechanical construction, and presentation development. This comprehensive approach helped students develop not only technical skills but also crucial teamwork and project management abilities.

Lee highlighted how their approach accommodates different learning styles. “Some kids learn better in hands-on work models — not everyone learns in a traditional way,” she noted. This inclusive philosophy has proven successful, with the team achieving first place in this year’s competition. The victory represents more than just a trophy; it demonstrates the potential that exists within the community when young people are given the right opportunities and support.

The robotics program has become a cornerstone of WIBCA’s youth initiatives, offering students hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and engineering principles. Throughout the year, participants engage in various workshops and training sessions, learning everything from basic electronics to advanced programming concepts. This practical experience proves invaluable for students considering future careers in STEM fields.

Looking ahead, WIBCA plans to expand the program’s reach and capabilities. The organization is working to secure additional funding and resources to accommodate more students and enhance the available equipment. “We’re seeing incredible interest from the community,” Lee explained. “More parents are reaching out to us, wanting their children to be part of this opportunity.” n