STEM Palooza: BLAST Robotics Opens Its Workshop to Berwyn Families

Even a rainy September day could not dim the energy inside our Berwyn workshop.

Children, families, and community members gathered at Keystone STEM Alliance’s STEM Palooza for a student-led showcase of robotics, engineering, and hands-on learning. For many visitors, it was their first close look at what our students build and how they do it.

Students Led Every Moment

Vivaan Krishna Ponugoti and Virat Ram Ponugoti, captains of BLAST Robotics (FRC Team 10989), led the event alongside their fellow team members. Students handled all demonstrations, answered questions from visitors, and stepped into the role of teachers and mentors for the day.

The centerpiece of the event was the robot BLAST students are preparing for the RampRiot competition in October. Team members walked visitors through the full engineering process, from the initial design through fabrication, programming, wiring, testing, and refinement.

Younger Learners Get Their Turn

Elementary-age children had their own space to explore robotics through a dedicated VEX IQ activity area. Hands-on challenges introduced younger participants to engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork in an age-appropriate setting, with BLAST students serving as guides every step of the way.

In Their Own Words

“The most rewarding part of STEM Palooza was seeing our students take ownership of the event. Vivaan, Virat, and the BLAST team led the demonstrations and interacted directly with children and families. Younger students could see that robotics is not something they only read about or watch. It is something they can build, learn, and become part of.” — Hari Ponugoti, Director, Keystone STEM Alliance

The Community Responded

The interest generated at STEM Palooza extended well beyond the event itself. Several parents asked about enrolling their children in Keystone STEM Alliance’s 2027 summer STEM camps. Others expressed interest in volunteering or contributing their professional expertise to our programs.

Students and parents also organized a bake sale during the event to raise money for Keystone STEM Alliance.

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Volunteers

STEM Palooza was made possible with the support of Stacey Ballard, President and CEO of Eadeh Enterprises, which provided space at the Berwyn Bronze Building and has been a consistent community partner for KSA. Adult volunteers Hari Ponugoti and Kamal Vamsi supported the student organizers with logistics and coordination on the day.