From High School to high-tech: Belize moves to build next generation of Engineers

By Zoila Palma:  The University of Belize (UB), Ministry of E-Governance, Belize Robotics Federation (BRF) and VEX Robotics are advancing plans to establish a national robotics education pathway connecting high school students to university studies, engineering and technology careers, competitive robotics and emerging industries.

Representatives of the four organizations met on September 1 to discuss how existing programs, training resources and national initiatives can be aligned to strengthen robotics education and workforce development.

A key proposal is the creation of a structured high school-to-UB pathway that would allow students developing skills in robotics, coding and engineering to clearly transition into university programs and careers in technology, engineering, education, research and industry.

Belize Robotics Federation President Jamie Lee Usher said the goal is to ensure robotics extends beyond school clubs and competitions and becomes part of a broader education and career pipeline.

The initiative would build on UB’s existing robotics activities, including the integration of robotics into programming and algorithms courses, use of the VEX curriculum and investment in competition infrastructure as the university works toward developing its own robotics team.

The partners also discussed teacher training, curriculum development, student recruitment and the creation of potential future electives, specialized courses and academic credentials at UB, subject to the university’s established approval processes.

BRF said it will support participating schools and UB through educator training and capacity building, while VEX representative Eli Osornio reaffirmed the company’s willingness to provide educational resources, technical guidance and professional development.

The initiative is also expected to focus on practical applications of robotics and emerging technologies in areas such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, automation, sensors, drones, logistics and electronics. Ministry of E-Governance CEO Jose Urbina emphasized the importance of connecting education and technology to Belize’s national needs, while the Ministry has provided VEX V5 Classroom Super Kits to BRF and UB’s Jaguar Tech Studio and plans to support BRF with a VEX Air Drone system.

The partners said a proposed high school pilot would initially involve schools already introducing foundational robotics, coding and engineering activities, while also expanding opportunities for girls and young women, mentorship by UB students and the development of future STEM educators.

The long-term objective is to create a coordinated national robotics ecosystem that allows students to progress from early exposure and competition to tertiary education, applied research, employment and innovation, helping prepare more Belizeans to become the engineers, programmers, teachers and technology innovators the country needs.

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