Birmingham parent and retired engineer Erin Phillips started the robotics program at Derby Middle School this fall when her son started eighth grade. She plans to coach the all-girls team this year as her daughter starts at Derby Middle School.

“Being a female in engineering, I know, can have its challenges, and I definitely want to open as many doors for girls as I can,” Phillips said.

The all-girls team will include students from Berkshire and Derby middle schools.

The idea for the all-girls team actually grew from feedback from students and parents. While many girls found success on the coed teams, some girls wanted an opportunity to have their own space where their voices could be more easily heard.

“We truly invite every kid to be a part of this program,” Goeman said. “Part of our expansion is just trying to make the team and program more accessible to as many students as possible.”

Goeman said any limit on the expansion is not caused by lack of student interest, but a lack of adult and community support.

“We actually have enough kids interested to start more teams; however, we lack the adult involvement and supervision that’s necessary to make these teams successful,” Goeman said.

Goeman hopes that parents and members of the community will reach out to help with the robotics program so that the program can continue to expand.