The Berrien Engineering, AI, and Robotics (BEAR) Summer Lab is a six‑week STEM immersion designed to spark your child’s passion for engineering and coding. Hosted by Andrews University’s School of Business Administration, BEAR uses the award‑winning VEX IQ platform to teach mechanical design, programming, and teamwork—building foundational skills that set students on the path to future STEM success.
Hands‑On Learning: Every day features guided builds, programming sessions, and robotics challenges.
Small Teams: Limited to 20 students per week to ensure personalized attention.
Expert Mentors: College‑level assistants coach each team in both hardware and code.
Competition Prep: Graduates are ready to take on FIRST Robotics events.
Community & Fun: Make new friends, collaborate on real‑world engineering problems, and showcase creations in a final challenge.
Robotics Lesson & Build: Learn VEX IQ fundamentals, then assemble your robot.
Coding Workshops: Master VEXcode block‑based programming to control motors, sensors, and automation.
Team Challenges: Apply your skills in timed obstacle courses and innovation contests.
Daily Reflection: Capture insights, brainstorm improvements, and prepare for the next day’s mission.
8:30 AM: Student Drop‑off
9:00 AM: Robotics Lesson & Hands‑On Build
10:30 AM: Break
10:45 AM: Programming Session
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Team Collaboration & Mini‑Challenge
2:30 PM: Final Testing & Prep
3:30 PM: Student Pick‑up
Cost: Beginner $250.00 and Intermediate $350.00 per student
Includes all materials, VEX IQ robot kits, lunch, and daily snacks.
Sibling Discount: 10% off each additional child.
Full‑Summer Package: Enroll in all six weeks for $1,350 (save $150).
A limited number of need‑based scholarships are available thanks to the Berrien Community Foundation grant. Apply early—funding is first‑come, first‑served.
Don’t miss this chance to ignite creativity, develop STEM skills, and have a blast with like‑minded peers.
Questions?
Email us at poblete@andrews.edu or legoh@andrews.edu or call (269) 471-3632.
Location: Andrews University Campus, Chan Shun Hall, Berrien Springs, MI
Q: Do I need prior robotics experience?
A: No prior experience is required! Our curriculum starts from the basics and builds up.
Q: What should students bring?
A: Just their enthusiasm! We provide all tools, kits, and supplies. Students may bring a water bottle and notebook.
Q: Who leads the sessions?
A: Each week is led by an experienced Andrews University instructor, supported by trained college assistants.
Q: How large are the teams?
A: Each session caps at 20 students, split into 4–5 student teams for optimal collaboration.
5-day Beginner VEX IQ Robotics Workshop
Program hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Hands-on robot building and block-based coding
These sessions are designed for students who are new to robotics or VEX IQ.
Week 1: June 16–20
Week 2: June 23–27
Week 3: July 7–11
5-day Intermediate VEX IQ Robotics Workshop
Program hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Advanced builds, sensor integration, and semi-autonomous coding
These sessions are for students with prior VEX IQ experience or who have completed the beginner track.
Week 4: July 14–18
Week 5: July 21–25
Week 6: July 28–August 1
Join the next generation of innovators at BEAR Summer Lab—where young minds build real robots, tackle hands‑on challenges, and discover the power of teamwork and technology. Spots fill fast, so secure your child’s place today and watch them grow from learners into leaders. We can’t wait to see what they’ll invent!