BERWYN, PA — Children and families got a hands-on look at robotics and engineering during Keystone STEM Alliance’s STEM Palooza, where students from BLAST Robotics turned their Berwyn workshop into an interactive showcase despite rainy weather.
The student-led event brought together children of varying ages, parents, and community members to see robots in action, explore engineering concepts, and learn about STEM opportunities available through the organization.
Vivaan Krishna and Virat Ram, captains of BLAST Robotics, FIRST Robotics Competition Team 10989, led the event with fellow team members. Students handled demonstrations, answered questions, and introduced younger visitors to the work involved in building a competition robot.
A centerpiece of the event was the robot BLAST students are preparing for the RampRiot competition in October. Team members walked visitors through the engineering process, including designing, fabricating, programming, wiring, testing, and refining the robot.
The demonstrations also put BLAST students in the role of teachers and mentors. They explained engineering concepts to younger visitors and showed families how an initial design progresses through construction, testing, and improvement.
Elementary-age children had their own opportunity to experiment with robotics through a dedicated VEX IQ activity area. The hands-on activities introduced younger participants to engineering, problem-solving and teamwork in an age-appropriate setting.
“The most rewarding part of STEM Palooza was seeing our students take ownership of the event,” said Hari Ponugoti of Keystone STEM Alliance. “Vivaan, Virat and the BLAST team led the demonstrations and interacted directly with children and families. Younger students could see that robotics is not something they only read about or watch. It is something they can build, learn, and become part of.”
Students and parents also organized a bake sale to raise money for Keystone STEM Alliance. Organizers did not provide a fundraising total.
The event generated interest beyond the day’s activities, with several parents asking about enrolling their children in Keystone STEM Alliance’s 2027 summer STEM camps. Others expressed interest in volunteering or contributing professional expertise to the organization’s programs.
STEM Palooza was sponsored by Stacey Ballard, president and CEO of Eadeh Enterprises, which also supported arrangements at the Berwyn Bronze Building. Organizers credited Eadeh Enterprises as a community partner that has helped provide a home for Keystone STEM Alliance’s student programs in Berwyn.
Adult volunteers Hari Ponugoti and Kamal Vamsi supported the student organizers with event logistics and coordination.
Keystone STEM Alliance operates BLAST Robotics as its flagship program, bringing together high school students from multiple counties, school districts, and homeschool communities to participate in the FIRST Robotics Competition. The organization also offers summer STEM camps, programs for younger students, engineering mentorship, community outreach and leadership opportunities.
With STEM Palooza completed, BLAST Robotics is turning its attention to the upcoming competition season while Keystone STEM Alliance works to expand its Berwyn programs. The organization is seeking sponsorships and other support for Team 10989, additional equipment for its student fabrication lab, and funding to expand technical instruction and mentorship.
“We have built the foundation and demonstrated that students and families want these opportunities,” Ponugoti said. “Our next challenge is building the capacity to serve more students.”
Keystone STEM Alliance plans to use additional financial and community support to expand access to its robotics and engineering programs, develop its fabrication lab, and increase instructional capacity as BLAST Robotics prepares for its next competition season.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.