March 5, 2020 (Omaha, NE) – Two Kids Can afterschool program students, Hayden and Adan, won the Elementary Nebraska VEX IQ state championship tournament and will be going on to the 2020 World Championship in Louisville, Kentucky on April 26-28. The robotics team is part of Kids Can Community Center’s after-school program at Gilder Elementary in partnership with Collective For Youth.
When asked about this opportunity, Hayden replied “It means a lot to me because I have had the chance to learn more about something that I’ve always had an interest in. It has helped me a lot with teamwork and problem solving.” Kids Can staff Sam Hafsaas commented, “By allowing them to have this opportunity they have expanded their knowledge and skills with STEM in many ways. They have learned things they can use in the future.”

“Collective for Youth is so excited that Kids Can’s afterschool program at Gilder has focused on teaching the youth robotics. The problem-solving skills and persistence that they have learned through the program has paid off with a trip to VEX Robotics World Championship! The memories, knowledge and opportunities they have gained will last a lifetime,” said Megan Addison, Collective for Youth Executive Director.
Adan and Hayden are already practicing after school for their World Championship debut. A school send-off at Gilder Elementary has been scheduled for April 24, 2020 at 3:30 pm. Follow us on Facebook at Kids Can Community Center for updates and live competition streaming from the World Championship!
About Kids Can: At Kids Can Community Center, our mission is to educate, engage, and inspire children through early childhood education and out of school experiences. Originally founded in 1908 as Social Settlement Association, the organization has evolved over the past century to meet the continually changing needs of children and families in the community. For more information, visit www.KidsCan.org.