Employees of Pioneer Electric presented organizers of the Tiger Robotics Summer Camp with a $2,500 grant courtesy of the cooperative’s Helping Us Give to Society (H.U.G.S.) program on Thursday, January 7. The money will be used to fund the Tiger Robotics Summer Camp, a program aimed at helping middle school students in Ulysses. The camps goal will be to engage students in fun and learning opportunities provided through S.T.E.M. (science,technology, engineering and mathematics). The camp will focus on approximately 15 students chosen through teacher recommendation. Particpants in the camp will be able tp enjoy the benefits of the camp at no cost.

“It’s important that kids have the opportunity to engage in programs like the Tiger Robotics Summer Camp,” said Anita Wendt, vice president of energy services. “Camps like this allows students to learn in a new way and introduce them to careers that they may have not known exisited.”

The program will target at-risk students at Kepley Middle school entering sixth, seventh and eighth grades in the 2021-2022 school year. Through designing, building and coding robots, students will be introduced to skills like critical thinking, communication and collaboration that will benefit them in their futures. During the camp, students will work together to design their own robot and challenge others using VEX IQ, a programable, snap-together robotic system.

“It’s a great way to introduce students to science, techonolgy, engineering, and math concepts through an engaging medium” said Justin Coffey, vice principal at Ulysses High School and camp organizer. “The Vex IQ competition requires students to work in teams and problem solve to code their robots.”

Kits purchased with the funds from the H.U.G.S. grant will be re-usable, allowing the club to build a foundation for future summer camps.

Representatives of Pioneer Electric’s Helping Us Give to Society (H.U.G.S.) were proud to present the American Legion Post 79 with a grant for $9,000. The American Legion will use the funds to replace the roof of their building.

The roof of the American Legion building will require a full replacement and installation of new materials to prevent the leaks the current roof causes. Renovations are scheduled to begin in March and take approximately three months.

“The roof repair will help us continue our Bingo fundraising events which is our main source of funding,” said Kyle Stringham, American Legion member. “It will also help us maintain a patriotic presence in the community.”

The American Legion Post 79 is a source of support for veterans in Grant County, including support for their families and burial rights. The American Legion also hosts a weekly Bingo night for members of the community, provides scholarships and are available for other civic efforts.

“The American Legion building is an integral fixture in Grant County,” said Anita Wendt, vice president of energy services. “They support the community through so many means and Pioneer Electric is proud to return the favor. Putting a new roof on their building will help them serve the community in an even greater capacity.”

Pioneer Electric’s H.U.G.S. program is made possible through the recycling of materials like steel, copper and aluminum taken out of service due to repair or rebuild. As funds become available, the cooperative seeks out projects focused on improving their communities.