Grantee Spotlight: Helping the MECHS Robotics Program Excel

We recently sat down with Mr. Leson Gervais, Physics Teacher at Manor Early College High School, to discuss the exciting growth of the school’s robotics program. Over the years, Mr. Gervais has been awarded multiple Manor Schoolhouse Foundation classroom innovation grants, including funding for the school’s very first 3D printer and 3D printer upgrades along the way. These investments have helped create a cutting-edge STEM experience for students—one that fosters resilience, teamwork, and technical expertise. Read on to learn more about their progress and an opportunity this May to see their innovation in action!

A Robotics Program on the Rise

Manor Early College High School’s robotics program officially launched last year, though students had been working with the New Tech team before forming their own group. The program has quickly gained traction, with around 25–30 students signing up each year and a core group of 15–20 actively participating.

During the six-week build season, students meet three times a week—after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and for five hours on Saturdays. In the off-season, they continue refining their skills, meeting weekly to work on programming, mechanics, and electrical components.

The team, now known as Conspiracy Robotics, competes in FIRST Robotics competitions. Last year, despite a major last-minute redesign at their first event, the team demonstrated incredible perseverance, adapting their robot overnight and finishing an impressive 14th out of 42 teams. This resilience is at the heart of what makes the program so valuable to students.

Robotics and So Much More

While robotics is a major component, the STEM club offers even more opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning. Mr. Gervais shares that this STEM club was the brainchild of his colleague Mr. Stephen Fisher who has been integral to the club’s success. Within the STEM club, a growing drone pilot program allows students to work toward an FAA drone pilot license. The school also hosts “star parties,” where students and community members can observe celestial bodies through telescopes. Additionally, the annual STEM Showcase invites students of all ages to explore science through interactive demonstrations.

Thanks in part to grants from the Manor Schoolhouse Foundation, the school now has seven 3D printers, which are used not just for robotics but also for creative projects, fundraising, and hands-on lessons in design and manufacturing.

Mark Your Calendar for the STEM Showcase

This year marked an exciting milestone as Manor Early College High School hosted its first-ever district robotics competition this month, saving local teams from long travel times and further establishing Manor ISD as a hub for STEM excellence.

For those interested in seeing the robotics team in action, mark your calendar for the STEM Showcase on Saturday, May 3rd from 10am - 2pm at Manor Early College High School!

The general public can stop by to see interactive science exhibits. You’ll meet Mr. Gervais and can see some of the tech your support has helped to fund.

With its robotics program thriving and new STEM initiatives taking shape, Manor Early College High School is preparing students for futures in engineering, technology, and beyond. Thank you to our community of support for investing in innovations that are helping dedicated educators like Mr. Gervais and Mr. Fisher change the game for students!