HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-10-28; Minute Motion Regarding Robotics Day {Districts - All); Rocha, LauraTo the members of the:
CITY 'COUNCIL
Date u0fa_'6J,;11 CA / CC ✓
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Oct. 28, 2021
To:
From:
Via:
Re:
Council Memorandum
Honorable Mayor Hall and Members of the City Council
Laura Rocha, Deputy City Manager, Administrative Services
David Graham, Chief Innovation Officer
Geoff Patnoe, Assistant City Manager @
Minute Motion Regarding Robotics Day {Districts -All)
{city of
Carlsbad
Memo ID #2021201
This memorandum provides an update regarding the April 6, 2021, minute motion directing
staff to return to the City Council with a plan to schedule a Robotics Day event.
Background
On April 6, 2021, a local Carlsbad High School student and member of the 5015 Buffalo Wings
Robotics Club delivered public comment at the City Council meeting recommending that the
city consider holding a Robotics Day. The same day, staff contacted the individual to begin
discussing how the city could collaborate with the Robotics Club on a Robotics Day event in
support of local STEM education. In subsequent discussions, a potential Robotics Day in
November 2021 was proposed. Rather than finalize plans at that time, the Robotics Club
members requested that city staff re-engage with them after the summer had passed and the
fall high school semester had begun.
Discussion
The city supports robotics and STEM education with programs primarily led by the Library
Department. The Innovation & Economic Development Department engages with local
universities on using data to support community problem solving. Supporting efforts to grow
the STEM ecosystem in Carlsbad is good for developing local talent that can work in advanced
industries, which are a crucial part of the city's economy. The diversity of the city's economy
with technology, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, sports and active lifestyle, and digital
services clusters is a strength. These industries rely on a talented workforce. Encouraging local
students to pursue learning in the STEM fields helps the city's long-term economic
development goals and supports educational opportunities within the community.
There are several robotics clubs at schools that serve Carlsbad residents. Following up on the
discussions with the 5015 Buffalo Wings Robotics Club, city staff re-engaged in August 2021
after the Carlsbad High School fall semester had begun. During discussions with staff, the
Robotics Club identified several challenges with holding a Robotics Day event in the fall. Many
of the local high school robotics teams are engaged in competitions during the fall and winter.
As a result, the Robotics Club requested that city staff support the development of a STEM
Administrative Services Branch
Innovation & Economic Development Department
1635 Faraday Ave I Carlsbad, CA 92008 I 760-602-4620
Council Memo -Minute Motion Regarding Robotics Day {Districts -All)
Oct. 28, 2021
Page 2
challenge for local students in the spring. To support the STEM challenge, the Innovation &
Economic Development Department would serve as the lead contact and would coordinate
technical support for the robotics clubs developing the challenge. This support could be
accomplished using existing resources. In conjunction with the 5015 Buffalo Wings Robotics
Club, staff proposes the following:
• Provide technical support to local robotics clubs in their development of a STEM
challenge for students in the city
• Connect students with existing city resources to support awareness and engagement in
robotics
• Schedule a City Council presentation recognizing National Robotics Week in April 2022
These activities provide a plan to hold a Robotics Day event that includes engagement with the
individual who originally proposed the idea and considers potential limitations due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. Staff will also continue to engage with the Economic Development
Subcommittee on talent attraction efforts and bolstering a locally sourced talent pipeline. This
completes the direction from the April 6, 2021, minute motion.
Next Steps
Staff will continue to provide technical support to the 5015 Buffalo Wings Robotics Club as
they develop a STEM challenge for local students. Recognition of National Robotics Week
will be scheduled for a City Council meeting in April 2022. Staff will continue to support
STEM learning in the community and will also look for opportunities to develop a pipeline of
talent to support continued economic development in Carlsbad.
cc: Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Celia Brewer, City Attorney
Suzanne Smithson, Library Director
Kristina Ray, Communications and Engagement Director
Ryan Green, Finance Director
Matt Sanford, Economic Development Manager
Joe Stewart, Management Analyst