The Kimball Robotics Program, a recent recipient of Meeker Cooperative’s Operation Round Up grant, exemplifies how small contributions can lead to significant community impact.
Operation Round Up invites Meeker Cooperative members to round up their monthly bills to the nearest dollar, pooling those extra cents into grants that support local organizations. Meeker Cooperative employees can also participate by rounding down their paychecks. Through these combined efforts, members donate tax-deductible amounts ranging from $0.01 to $0.99 monthly, averaging $5.78 per year. Collectively, this simple act generates thousands of dollars in grants and scholarships annually.
This year one of the projects the funds are helping is the Kimball Robotics Program as it continues its mission to bring robotics education and opportunities to students in the community. Since its founding in 2013 with just three students on a single high school team, the program has grown significantly under the guidance of head coach and mentor Kevin Kieke. Today, it supports six high school/middle school competition teams, six elementary school competition teams, and “Vex Go Camps” for third and fourth graders through Community Education. Over 75 students currently participate, with plans to integrate robotics into classrooms at both the elementary and high school levels.
Over the past 11 years, Kimball Robotics has achieved remarkable success, earning more than 60 state championship invitations, one state championship title, and 10 world championship invites. The momentum continues this season, with several teams already qualifying for state competitions. Excitement is building for the upcoming Kimball “Mega” Vex Robotics Tournament on January 25, which will host over 125 teams—second in size only to the Minnesota state championship. This free, public event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., offering a chance to witness the students’ hard work firsthand.
Reflecting on the importance of the Operation Round Up grant, Kieke shares, “The technology used in robotics continues to evolve. The cost to keep up with current technology is always a strain on our budget. This grant allows us to upgrade components and hardware to remain competitive while expanding robotics and STEM activities.”
The impact of the Kimball Robotics Program extends beyond competitions. Over 90% of its graduates pursue STEM careers, many attributing their career paths to the skills and experiences gained through the program. “We’re grateful for the continued support from Operation Round Up,” adds Kieke.
Through Operation Round Up, Meeker Cooperative is empowering local youth to explore the exciting world of robotics, fostering future innovators and leaders in STEM.