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Expanding Access to Robotics and STEM Education Through Public Libraries
RAIL (Robotics Advancement in Libraries) is a community-based STEM initiative created by Christiana "Ana" Thomas to help public libraries provide hands-on robotics, engineering, and programming experiences for youth.
Originally developed as a Girl Scout Gold Award project, RAIL provides a sustainable and replicable framework that libraries can use to launch robotics workshops using affordable equipment, trained volunteers, and structured activity guides.
RAIL combines student mentorship, hands-on robotics, and collaborative learning to create engaging STEM experiences for youth in public libraries.
Mission Statement
To expand access to robotics and STEM education by helping public libraries provide engaging, hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving.
Through student mentorship and reusable program resources, RAIL makes robotics education more accessible to communities.
Program Goals
RAIL seeks to:
• Expand access to STEM education through public libraries.
• Introduce students to robotics and engineering concepts.
• Develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Provide hands-on learning opportunities in a welcoming environment.
• Create a sustainable robotics program that can be replicated at additional library locations.
Educational Objectives
Through hands-on robotics activities and guided exploration, students participating in RAIL workshops will:
• Learn basic robotics concepts.
• Develop programming and computational thinking skills.
• Practice engineering design and troubleshooting.
• Build teamwork and communication skills.
• Gain confidence using technology and solving real-world challenges.
Program Highlights
✅ Library-based STEM workshops
✅ Hands-on robotics activities
✅ Student-led volunteer mentoring
✅ Reusable and affordable equipment
✅ Easy-to-replicate framework
✅ Designed for ages 8–12
Students and volunteers work together to complete a robotics maze challenge, demonstrating the hands-on learning and mentorship model that defines RAIL workshops.
How RAIL Began
RAIL began as a Girl Scout Gold Award project focused on expanding access to STEM education within the community. As a member of LED Robotics Team 6722 and a student passionate about engineering, I wanted to create a program that would introduce younger students to robotics in a fun and accessible way.
Working with Regency Park Library, I developed Regency Robotics, a library-based workshop program featuring hands-on robotics activities, volunteer mentorship, and engineering challenges. After a successful pilot workshop, the program evolved into RAIL (Robotics Advancement in Libraries), a framework designed to help additional libraries launch similar robotics programs.
Program Progression
Lessons learned from the Regency Robotics pilot were used to develop the RAIL framework, creating a model that can be adapted and implemented by other libraries.
Pilot Program Results
Regency Robotics Pilot
• 9 students participated in the inaugural workshop.
• 5 LED Robotics volunteers assisted with instruction and mentoring.
• 77.8% rated the workshop experience as Excellent.
• 77.8% reported increased interest in robotics after participating.
• 88.9% expressed interest in attending future workshops.
The success of the Regency Robotics pilot demonstrated that public libraries can effectively provide hands-on robotics programming using a station-based workshop model supported by student mentors and reusable activity materials.
A participant celebrates after successfully completing one of the Regency Robotics challenges. The pilot workshop demonstrated strong student engagement and enthusiasm for hands-on STEM learning.
Pilot Program Location
Regency Robotics
Regency Robotics serves as the founding RAIL location and operates at Regency Park Library in New Port Richey, Florida.
Upcoming workshops continue to test new activities, refine implementation materials, and expand the resources available to future RAIL partner libraries.
"My goal is to help libraries create opportunities for students to explore robotics, engineering, and STEM in a fun and welcoming environment."
— Christiana "Ana" Thomas, Founder of RAIL
Bring RAIL to Your Library
Interested in Starting a Robotics Program?
RAIL was designed to help libraries launch sustainable robotics workshops using reusable equipment, activity guides, volunteer support, and implementation resources.
For information about bringing RAIL to your library or community organization, please contact Christiana Thomas at christianathomas2027@gmail.com.
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