An area educator is helping inspire the next generation of innovators by creating hands-on opportunities for students to explore technology, robotics, and programming.
Dr. Ali Rafieymehr hosted a Generation Link event on Wednesday afternoon, June 17, at the Rodgers Memorial Library, bringing together students of various ages for a day focused on building, coding, and collaboration.
The event grew out of Rafieymehr’s desire a few years ago to spend more time with his grandchildren while introducing them to the world of programming and technology. What began as a family project has grown into an effort to share that same excitement with students and adults throughout the community.
The Generation Link program was designed to introduce young and old residents to technology in a fun and engaging way. Participants began by assembling XRPs – robotic devices that come in multiple pieces – before learning how to program them. The final stage of the event featured a team competition where students put their new skills to the test.
The group included elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as a few senior citizens, creating a unique opportunity for different generations to learn together.
Students attended from Nottingham West Elementary School, Hudson Memorial School, Alvirne High School, Windham Academy Public Charter School, Litchfield Griffin Memorial School, Litchfield Middle School, Hills Garrison Elementary School, Bishop Guertin High School, and a local home-school group.
Rafieymehr’s goal goes beyond a single event. He plans to donate the XRPs built during the program to participating schools so students can continue exploring programming and robotics in their classrooms. Several schools have already expressed excitement about receiving the devices.
The Generation Link event is part of Rafieymehr’s ongoing commitment to making technology education accessible and exciting for students throughout the area. He continued that mission this past weekend by teaching a smaller group of younger students how to program Ozobot robots at the library.
For Rafieymehr, these events are about more than learning how technology works – they are about giving young people the confidence, creativity, and curiosity to become tomorrow’s problem-solvers.