MIDDLETOWN, RI (June 17, 2026) |
People’s Credit Union was thrilled to host Aquidneck Island Robotics (AIR) at their Middletown headquarters. AIR is the largest community-based youth competitive robotics organization in the state. Open to all K-12 students in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts from public, private, and home schools, AIR offers membership fee scholarships so students can participate regardless of their ability to pay.
“People’s is honored to support the groundbreaking work of Aquidneck Island Robotics, which provides students with hands-on STEM experiences,” says Courtney Hunter, Head of Community Development at People’s Credit Union. “Seeing ‘Bandit’, one of their latest competitive machines, in action was an impressive glimpse into the creativity, technical skill, and dedication that AIR students bring to every competition. Their demonstration showed our employees how robotics puts teamwork, leadership, and real-world problem solving into action.”
David Wheeler, AIR Board Member and parent, remarked, "Like People’s Credit Union, AIR is built on the belief that when you empower people, especially young people, with the right tools and support, great things happen for our entire community.”
AIR students gain exposure to a variety of STEM disciplines, including mechanical and electrical engineering, metal fabrication, 3-D computer modeling, and software programming (development). Beyond building project management and business competencies, students are enhancing their readiness for both higher learning and future careers. Team 78 AIR STRIKE is internationally ranked and has qualified for the World Championships almost every year since its inception in 2009.
