Grayson College Launches Viking BEST Robotics Hub with Kickoff Event

Grayson College is proud to announce its designation as an official BEST Robotics Hub and the successful launch of its inaugural Viking BEST Robotics Hub Kickoff Event, held this past weekend on the College’s campus.

The event welcomed more than 70 attendees, including local industry mentors, BEST Robotics staff, and students from eight schools: Sherman High School, Denison High School, Piner Middle School, Bells High School, Tom Bean High School, White Oak High School, Holdenville High School and Sam Rayburn High School.

Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology (BEST) Robotics is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring middle and high school students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This year’s BEST program introduces a new themed challenge called FACTOIDS and focuses on AI training. Teams are given eight weeks to design, build and program their robots using a standardized kit of parts, encouraging creativity, teamwork and problem-solving.

“This is an exciting milestone for Grayson College and our region,” said Dr. Jeremy McMillen, President of Grayson College. “By serving as a BEST Robotics Hub, we are opening doors for students to explore engineering, science and technology in a way that is hands-on, engaging and fun. We are proud to support this effort because it reflects our mission to prepare students for success in college, careers and life.”

The kickoff marked the official start of the robotics season. Over the next eight weeks, participating students will work together to design, build and test robots created from the kit of parts. In addition, teams will prepare detailed engineering notebooks, design 8x8-foot booths to showcase their projects and compete for the prestigious BEST Award, which recognizes overall excellence in the competition. Teams that qualify will advance to the state-level contest in Dallas, Texas which will be held in December.