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Expanding Access to Robotics and STEM Education Through Public Libraries
RAIL (Robotics Advancement in Libraries) is a scalable framework that helps public libraries launch sustainable robotics and STEM education programs using student mentors, reusable engineering activities, and standardized implementation resources.
Created by Christiana “Ana” Thomas, RAIL evolved from a Girl Scout Gold Award project into a sustainable framework that enables public libraries to provide affordable, hands-on robotics, engineering, and programming experiences for youth.
RAIL combines student mentorship, hands-on robotics, and collaborative learning to create engaging STEM experiences for youth in public libraries.
Mission Statement
RAIL exists to expand access to robotics and STEM education by helping public libraries deliver affordable, hands-on engineering experiences through reusable activities, student mentors, and sustainable implementation resources.
Through student mentorship and reusable program resources, RAIL makes robotics education more accessible to communities.
Framework 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 framework that can be replicated by additional public libraries.
RAIL at a Glance
3 library workshops completed
2 community outreach events
28 students served through library workshops
9 robotics activities developed
Featured by Tampa Bay 28 ABC News
Recognized by Pasco County Schools
Supported by LED Robotics student volunteers
Student Learning Outcomes
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.
Why RAIL Works
Library-based STEM workshops
Student volunteer mentoring
Reusable engineering activities
Affordable startup costs
Repeatable implementation model
Continuous improvement through feedback
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 with a simple goal: make robotics education more accessible to students who might not otherwise have opportunities to participate.
Through a partnership with Regency Park Library and support from LED Robotics Team 6722, the pilot workshop demonstrated that public libraries, student mentors, and reusable engineering activities could work together to create engaging STEM learning experiences.
The lessons learned from the pilot became the foundation of the RAIL framework—a scalable model designed so other libraries can 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.
These results validated the RAIL framework by demonstrating that public libraries, student mentors, and reusable engineering activities can successfully work together to create engaging and sustainable STEM learning experiences.
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.
Founding Program
Regency Robotics
Regency Robotics serves as the founding RAIL location and operates at Regency Park Library in New Port Richey, Florida.
Ongoing workshops at Regency Park Library continue to test new engineering activities, refine implementation resources, and strengthen the RAIL framework. RAIL is now preparing to expand to additional library locations, using lessons learned from the Regency Robotics pilot to help other libraries implement the program.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to explore robotics, engineering, and STEM—regardless of whether their school offers those opportunities. RAIL was created to help public libraries make that possible.”
— Christiana “Ana” Thomas, Founder of RAIL
Interested in Bringing RAIL to Your Library?
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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