Nell J. Redfield Foundation Supports Hands-On Computer Science, Math, and Literacy Classroom Lessons Through DRI’s Nevada Robotics

The Nell J. Redfield Foundation recently made a three-year commitment to support Nevada Robotics’ Books and Bots Teacher Trainings, which will provide classroom lessons in Pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms using robots and storybooks.

Thanks to the Redfield Foundation’s generous support, Nevada Robotics will host ten trainings over the next three years for eight Redfield Community Outreach Program (RCOP) elementary schools in Northern Nevada, with the goal of reaching students, educators, and families that have not previously received this training. Educator stipends and ongoing classroom support will be provided, as well as the necessary robots, books, and other training materials.

Nevada educators smiling and laughing while working with programming small robots on a track on a table top.

These trainings will have significant long term positive benefits for Northern Nevada educators and students. Through the estimated 40 educators reached at the end of the third year, roughly 1,280 students will benefit from these lessons year after year. Further, recent studies have identified a positive link between early STEM education and language & literacy skills. Overall, Nevada Robotics seeks to increase equity and access to computer science and STEM skills for Nevada students, thereby better preparing them for a technology-driven world. 

Thank you to the Nell J. Redfield Foundation for helping DRI’s Nevada Robotics to create a better future for the people of Nevada and the world.  

If you are interested in supporting DRI’s Nevada Robotics, click here.

This generous gift was made to DRI and Nevada Robotics in memory of Gerald “Jerry” Smith and his dedicated work to the Nell J. Redfield Foundation’s mission.

You May Also Like…

Remembering the Legacy of Sue Wagner, Long-Time DRI Supporter and Pioneering Woman in Nevada Politics

Remembering the Legacy of Sue Wagner, Long-Time DRI Supporter and Pioneering Woman in Nevada Politics

Sue Wagner built the foundation for state support for DRI. She joined the staff of DRI in 1981 and served as Special Assistant for Government and Legislative Affairs for nine years, and ending when she was elected Lieutenant Governor. One of her major achievements at DRI was shepherding of special legislation through the U.S. Congress to establish the DRI Dandini Research Park. Sue remained active in local and state politics and continued to play a role in supporting promising scientists from DRI and beyond.

Take Charge of Your Estate: DRI Foundation Partners with Community Foundation for 7-Week Series

Take Charge of Your Estate: DRI Foundation Partners with Community Foundation for 7-Week Series

Interested in learning more about estate planning and want to take charge of your estate matters? Sign up for the Family Estate Planning Series, presented by the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada and PBS Reno! The free, in-person 7-week Spring Family Estate Planning Series will take place on Wednesdays, March 18 – April 29, 2026. Each week will feature subject-matter experts as guest speakers and cover the fundamentals of estate planning.

Join DRI’s Conservation Ecology Lab in Protecting Desert Flora & Fauna

Join DRI’s Conservation Ecology Lab in Protecting Desert Flora & Fauna

The DRI Conservation Ecology Lab, led by Tiffany Pereira and Tsvetelina Stefanova, helps guide the conservation and restoration of the Southwest’s diverse flora and fauna through basic and applied ecology and collaboration with federal agencies, community non-profits, and more. Central to the Conservation Ecology Lab’s mission to protect desert ecosystems is addressing and educating the public on the detrimental effects of invasive species, particularly on rare and threatened species.

Share This