STEM-Focused Grant Programs Inspire Local Youth

From September through January, Rancho Cordova youth participated in two innovative STEM-based after-school programs supported by the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund. Falkon Robotics hosted a robot-building program at Mitchell Middle School, while Suvidha International Foundation led an Industrial AI Agent Development program at Cordova High School.

During the robotics program, 15 students worked in groups to build robots using robotics kits and coded them to complete timed tasks. The hands-on program concluded with a friendly robotics competition. Registration is now open for the Spring 2026 Falkon Robotics program, with classes scheduled from 3:15 PM - 5:15 PM on Wednesdays from March 11 through April 29 at Mitchell Middle School.

The Suvidha International Foundation program taught 32 students how to use artificial intelligence to create two generative and predictive AI agents. Students designed agents with online search and chat capabilities using OpenAI, Gemini, Python, and GitHub. One team created a customer service AI agent and another team developed an Energy Efficiency AI Agent to help manage residential energy use through usage trends and bill predictability.

The program included an AI agent demonstration followed by a final showcase and audience question-and-answer session.

These programs gave students hands-on experience with robotics and artificial intelligence while building skills that support future learning and career opportunities.

To learn more about the city's Community Enhancement & Investment Fund, visit CityofRanchoCordova.org/CEIF.