CEHC Hosts Annual Lego Challenge for Elementary Students

By Mike Nolan

ALBANY, N.Y. (Nov. 14, 2023) — The College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (CEHC), in partnership with Pioneer Bank, hosted its annual Lego challenge on Friday at the ETEC research & development complex.

The free event was open to children ages 6 to 10 in the Capital Region, with support from faculty, staff and students in the CEHC community.

Children participants engaged with various Lego challenges created by students in CEHC’s Women in Technology freshman seminar class, along with a pop-up drone tent, and other emerging tech at the college’s makerspace such as 3D printers and laser cutters. This year’s theme was pets and animals, featuring a visit from Roxy, UAlbany’s therapy dog.

The event, co-organized by CEHC Vice Dean Jen Goodall and Assistant Director of Applied Learning Erin Couture, is designed to introduce STEM concepts to kids.

“We were thrilled to host children from across the Capital Region for the CEHC Lego challenge this year,” said CEHC Vice Dean Jen Goodall, who co-organized the event. “This is one of the events I look forward to the most during the semester, as it not only sparks creative play, but also exposes our region’s young minds to STEM through a brand they know and love.”

“It was great to see so many CEHC students working alongside the local children, helping them to not only explore different STEM opportunities but also to see their future potential,” added Couture. “We were also fortunate to be able to collaborate with our colleagues at the College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering, the NYS Mesonet, The RED Bookshelf, and CreositySpace, who also joined us in providing activities for the children.”

View more coverage of the event: Times Union, News Channel 10 – WTEN, News Channel 13 – WNYT