May 29, 2018

KING TeC | Driven To Inspire 
A World Class Robotics Program Celebrating Science and Technology.

Eleven years ago, KING TeC (Kids Integrating Newly Grasped Technological and engineering Concepts) defined success as a rolling robot on the field. Since then, 21 students have grown into a thriving robotics kingdom, and the Prior Lake-Savage community has been immersed in robotics culture.

​Over the last decade, the team has created, refined, and documented the K-12 KING TeC enterprise. Now, our target has shifted past building one organization to sustaining hundreds and changing the world. To ensure all teams have the opportunity to experience their own successes, we build robotics kingdoms.

(l-r) KING TeC Coaches Bill Jenkins, Gregg Greenlee, Mike Lins

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Mike Lins, KING TeC Head Coach was asked several questions about their robotics program.

Q1. What skills do students gain from participating in Robotics?

​“Students gain real life experience in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and business related activities. Our robotics team, KING TeC is organized like a small business with marketing, public relations, engineering, programing, and fabrication departments.  Students have an opportunity to serve in a variety of leadership roles in these departments." 

"Every year we have a new challenge. In just 6 weeks, the students develop a strategy on how they want to win, design a the robot using Computer Aided Design (CAD), prototype, fabricate, assemble, and program the robot.  The students are gaining valuable skills that 21st century employers are looking for."   

Q2. What is the biggest need for the Robotics Program, how can the community help?

Money
"The robotics program in the Prior Lake Savage Area Schools has grown from 21 high school students in 2007 to over 300 students in grades K-12 participating in robotics this year. The school district provides phenomenal support for our program along with our many sponsors. Our sponsors help offset the cost of running the program and keeps participation in robotics affordable for families."

Mentors 
"We are actively looking for community members who want to share their experience with the next generation. As our program continues to grow, with over 90 students on the high school team alone, more experienced adults are needed to help mentor these students in engineering, programing, business, or fabrication/machining/mechanical type skills.  We have opportunities to work with students or at the organizational level to help manage and run the overall program.  For more information on volunteering or making a financial or in-kind donation please email Contact@kingtec2169.com."

Q3. What special accomplishments are you proud of?

"KING TeC started in a barn and has grown to a district wide program that has opportunities for students in any grade to participate in robotics. We are unique in this aspect that all robotics programs in our district are nested under one organizational structure under our High School team."

"Most do not realize that Prior Lake High School has one of the best robotics teams in the world.  In 2017, we finished in the top 3% of over 3,000 teams world wide."

Q4. What are your hopes and dreams for the future of the Robotics program?

"Our vision is to transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders. Come join us!"

To learn more about KING TeC and how you can support, click here.

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KING TeC is part of Prior Lake Patrons of the Arts & Activities (PAA). 

PAA programs, such as KING TeC, instill a sense of pride in school and community, teach lifelong lessons and skills of teamwork and self-discipline. These programs change students lives.

Evidence of their benefits and effectiveness in reducing student dropout, raising student attendance, developing better team players, fostering a love for learning, improving greater student dignity, enhancing student creativity, and producing a more prepared citizen for the workplace for tomorrow can be found documented in studies held in many varied settings, from school campuses to corporate America.
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Click here to learn more about about PAA.

We also invite you to join us Sunday, September 16, 2018 for PAA's community-wide pancake breakfast being held at Prior Lake High School. This is one of the events of​ ​Smoke Signals 2nd Annual Charity Auto Show.

​100% of proceeds go to support PAA activities, including KING TeC. 

​Click here to learn more about PAA Pancake Breakfast.