Fresno kids camp teaching students to build robots

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- School is out and many parents have their kids in summer camps. But one camp is using technology to take learning to the next level.

It may be summer outside, but inside Geekwise Academy located at Bitwise Industries in Downtown Fresno, it's robot time.

Adam Ellison Valdez is one of the dozens of students enrolled in Geekwise Academy's first summer camp and he's learning how to build and program robots.

"I think it's pretty helpful to be honest," said Valdez. "It's gotten me back on track on a lot of stuff that I forgot."

The academy is offering robotics and game design for students in fifth to 12th grades. The courses are taught by industry professionals.

Beth Garoupa said, "We're just in day 2 of our stem program and the students are leaving excited and are already talking to the parents about going home and buying more robots and more video game."

Garoupa is the executive director. She says the program emphases the importance of science, technology, engineering and math. Knowledge that's important for this next generation.

"It's predicted in 2020, there will be 2 million jobs in the technology industry and we're trying to help students and other individuals see where they fit," said Garoupa.

The academy will host another camp starting July 27th. As for student, Yeni Cruz, she's hoping to take this knowledge back to Mendota High School.

Cruz said, "Since it's a robotics program I thought why not get outside experience so it can help me in my competition."

Students will continue using their stem knowledge to build their robots everyday. They will unveil their creations next Friday.