People’s Credit Union recently hosted Aquidneck Island Robotics at its Middletown headquarters, where students showed their appreciation for the sponsor with a hands-on robotics demonstration.
Aquidneck Island Robotics, known as AIR, is the largest community-based youth competitive robotics organization in the state. Open to all K-12 students in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts from public, private and home schools, the organization offers membership-fee scholarships so students can participate regardless of their ability to pay.
“People’s is honored to support the groundbreaking work of Aquidneck Island Robotics, which provides students with hands-on STEM experiences,” said Courtney Hunter, head of community development at People’s Credit Union. “Seeing ‘Bandit,’ one of their latest competitive machines, in action was an impressive glimpse into the creativity, technical skill, and dedication that AIR students bring to every competition. Their demonstration showed our employees how robotics puts teamwork, leadership, and real-world problem solving into action.”
David Wheeler, an AIR board member and parent, said the organization shares a philosophy with its host. “Like People’s Credit Union, AIR is built on the belief that when you empower people, especially young people, with the right tools and support, great things happen for our entire community,” he said.
Through the program, students gain exposure to a range of STEM disciplines, including mechanical and electrical engineering, metal fabrication, 3-D computer modeling and software programming, while building project management and business skills. The organization’s Team 78 AIR STRIKE is internationally ranked and has qualified for the World Championships nearly every year since its founding in 2009.
Founded in 1922 and headquartered in Middletown, People’s Credit Union is a member-owned, state-chartered community credit union offering personal and business banking products and services. Membership is open to all individuals, and deposits are insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration. More information is available at peoplescu.com.
