Robotics and STEM
Stereotypes Shattered Here
Yes, women are still underrepresented in STEM-related careers, but we’re changing that! Salem gives girls real access to science technology, engineering, and math. We do so through courses and activities like Robotics and STEAM camps.
“I felt very well prepared to succeed in a STEM-related field. My coursework at the Academy provided a solid foundation in Math, Biology, and Chemistry. I believe the writing and analytical skills I learned were extremely beneficial and I think this skillset differentiated me from my peers.”
Molly DeCristo Ph.D., ‘09
Research Fellow at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Robotics Teams
What started as a club in 2014 has quickly grown into a formidable force. In 2017, the team competed in the First Tech Challenge World Championships and ranked in the top 3%!
Today, Salem hosts 2 teams: The Sisters of the Motherboard and the Code Sisters.
Our History
- Formed in 2014, competed in First Tech Challenge State Finals
- 2015: Competed and advanced in First Tech Challenge State Finals
- 2016: Competed in First Tech Challenge State Finals; selected for Alliance round
- 2017: Selected to compete in First Tech Challenge World Championship in Houston, Texas; Ranked in the top 3%!
- 2018: Competed in First Tech Challenge State Finals
- 2019: Competed in First Tech Challenge State Finals; won the Motivate Award, exemplifying team spirit and collaboration; Placed 2nd for self-created Promote Award video; Placed 3rd in self-created Compass Award video.
- 2020: Competed in First Tech Challenge State Finals; received 1st place Think Award.
- 2021: Competed in First Tech Challenge State Finals; received 2nd place Motivate Award.
- 2022: Competed in First Tech Challenge State Finals; received 1st place Compass Award (Code Sisters team); 2nd place Connect Award (Sisters of the Motherboard team)
- 2023: Hosted Winston-Salem qualifier on campus; Competed in First Tech Challenge State Finals
Robotics Course
Members of the teams enroll in Robotics courses, which are year-long and can be taken for multiple years. The courses include hands-on learning and instruction in the following areas:
- Engineering design
- Computer-aided design
- 3-D printing
- JAVA programming
- STEM outreach
- Robot creation
Plus, courses in Computer Science Principles (Honors) and JAVA Programming.
All-Girls Camps: STEAM and Robotics & Coding
Salem students work alongside Academy teachers to inspire the next generation of girls at the week-long STEAM and Robotics & Coding camps. Read more about STEAM Camp
Discover your Calling
“I plan to be a mechanical engineer, which is something I discovered through Robotics. I was involved since my freshman year and developed a real passion for it. I just love when it all comes together, it’s almost magical!”
Abigail Wucherer A’19,
now a Park Scholar at North Carolina State University