Robotics Course and E-STREAM Club See Great Momentum

In 2023, nearly a third of the Merion Mercy Academy graduating class intended to pursue a major in science, technology, engineering, or math. Courses like Robotics with Mr. Ben York play a significant role in attracting students to these exciting fields. In 2024, that semester-long elective is better than ever thanks to a new classroom complete with design tools and a Vex robotics ring. A unique, self-paced curriculum with challenges along the way allows students what Mr. York calls, “an unparalleled level of freedom.” The course currently has 18 students and he expects continued growth as the program gets more sophisticated. 

In addition to his class, Mr. York is also the moderator of Merion Mercy’s E-STREAM club, which includes esports, robotics and the arts in addition to the STEM disciplines. The roughly 20 students in the club are engaged in a variety of activities, including:

• MMA Space Team, which mentors Waldron Mercy Academy students on space-themed projects and receives mentoring through NASA's Artemis program and Orion mission.

• Governor’s STEM Competition, in which students are required to research, develop, and present a device or project that can improve the lives of Pennsylvanians and accomplish a series of practical tasks that can fulfill real-world needs. 

• Vex Robotics Competition in which three students represented Merion Mercy at the regional tournament.

• Esports, which recently took a field trip to St. Joseph’s University’s Esports Lab.

In the past, members of the E-STREAM club have also competed in SAP Simulation and DECA competitions at West Chester University. 

“We have lots of momentum right now,” says Mr. York. “It’s an exciting time in STEM at Merion Mercy Academy!”