Hawaii Science and Technology Museum

Support Poi Dogs Robotics Team at the 2024 Hawaii VEX IQ Elementary School Regional Championship on Oahu: February 17th, 2024!

Hi, we are the Poi Dogs. The term poi dog, in Hawaii, is colloquially used to describe mixed breeds or “mutts”. We are a scrappy, little robotics group of two boys and two girls from four different elementary schools (Ha‘aheo, Mauna Loa, Waiakea and Waiakeawaena) in Hilo, Hl and of various ethnic backgrounds (Japanese, Okinawan, Jewish, Chinese, French, Vietnamese, Native American and European).

We started our robotics journey in 2022 as first and second graders. Kaylia’s mom is our coach - an amazing, spirited, single mom who teaches elementary school. Last year we were introduced to the basics of VEX IQ robotics and the engineering design process. It was our first time competing and we received the inspire award (probably because we were the youngest team at the event!). This year, being seasoned veterans, we took our robotic know how up a notch and won the teamwork championship award! This award is given to the top two teams who score the most points in the final teamwork challenge. In addition, this award qualifies us for the 2024 Hawaii VEX IQ Elementary School Regional Championship on Oahu. We are super excited for this opportunity to travel to our neighbor island and represent the Big Island!

Our fundraising goal of $7,000+ is for:

Details about your contributions:

All contributions are tax deductible as they go through our sponsoring 501(c)(3)non-profit organization, Hawaii Science and Technology Museum (HSTM). Check out their website: https://hawaiisciencemuseum . HSTM introduced us to robotics by funding our robotics equipment, coach training and competition fees. They run amazing programs that encourage and expose the youth in our community to the wonders of STEM.

Any donations above $1,000 will get free advertising on our team shirts! Please send us your logo and we will send you a photo of our shirts after we are able to print it on! Email your logo to us on a message with your donation or email HSTM directly from their website.

We really appreciate your support! Mahalo for contributing to the future of STEM in Hilo, Hawaii!