Two Sigma and Rice University are looking for students who want to mentor the Yates High School Robotics Club. The partnership is in its third year.
“The partnership is special because it gives Rice undergraduate students the opportunity to teach robotics and engineering concepts to underprivileged high school students. It’s rare to find opportunities to teach and mentor as an undergraduate, especially in a field as exciting as robotics,” Daniel Posada, software engineer at Two Sigma said.
Last year Two Sigma provided funding for three Rice University students to mentor a High School FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) robotics team. Two Sigma had two employees significantly involved throughout the program. The team successfully completed their robot and placed 28/32 in their first competition, and 13/32 in their second.
During the program, Yates students learn to work on real-world problems in STEM.
“The fact that the Rice mentors are only a few years older than the students means that it’s easy for them to connect and develop relationships. For Two Sigma, the partnership allows the company to give back while also spreading the word to Rice and Yates students about our culture and community-oriented initiatives,” he said.
Mentors will receive a stipend while building leadership experience in the community.
The 14-week program starts in January of 2020 and it requires approximately 8 hours of mentoring per week. Sophomore Engineering majors (CS/MECH/ECE) are encouraged to apply.
“We are very happy to be partnering with Rice and to have such talented and energetic Rice students to lead the team,” Posada said.
Jim Ward from Two Sigma and Lydia Kavraki from Rice University have supported the program over the last three years.
For more information, please email RiceRobotMentor@twosigma.com.