Youth volunteers helped organize and operate the Empower Rancho Workshop on Aug. 29 at Hagan Community Center.

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - A student-built robot rolled through Hagan Community Center on Aug. 29 as young attendees assembled first-aid kits, explored college options and met local organizations. All during a free workshop as part of a larger nonprofit project by EquiFlow designed to turn questions about their futures into practical next steps.

The Saturday Empower Rancho Workshop brought youth and families from Rancho Cordova and the greater Sacramento area to the community center at 2197 Chase Drive. The three-hour, youth-led event focused on career exploration, education, financial literacy, emergency preparedness, health and wellness.

“Whether you are a student, a parent or a community member, today is all about giving you practical tools and connections,” said event emcees’ Isha Ganatra and Adhya Ganatra “Our mission is simple, build skills, build community and prepare youth.”

Tech Talons, a robotics team from Vista del Lago High School, demonstrated one of its robots at the Empower Rancho Workshop on Aug. 29. Students spoke with visitors about technology, engineering and the work required to design, build and operate a competition machine.

Organizers said the workshop was created to make practical information and community resources available to young people regardless of their background or ability to pay.

“We hope this workshop provides students with concrete tools and confidence to work towards their future,” said Event Organizer Esha Banerjee. “Bringing free, quality educational and wellness resources to Rancho Cordova is vital because every young person deserves equitable opportunities.”

The event combined presentations with hands-on stations. Participants could take part in guided art, nutrition and self-care activities, learn first-aid and emergency-preparedness skills, and assemble first-aid kits to take home. Food was also provided during the event, which ran from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Throughout the center, students moved from conversations about college costs and scholarships to demonstrations centered on technology, health and public safety. The variety allowed attendees to ask questions in smaller settings and spend more time with the subjects that interested them.

Participants at the Empower Rancho Workshop could take part in guided art, nutrition and self-care activities, learn first-aid and emergency-preparedness skills, and assemble first-aid kits to take home.

Youth volunteers helped organize and operate the workshop, placing students on both sides of the tables. Some attended to gather information, while others demonstrated projects, directed activities and explained programs to their peers. The approach reflected the event’s goal of connecting young people not only with adult professionals, but also with other students already pursuing leadership, service and technical interests.

Tech Talons, a robotics team from Vista del Lago High School, demonstrated one of its robots and spoke with visitors about technology, engineering and the work required to design, build and operate a competition machine.

“What we are trying to do is make STEM and robotics more accessible to the local teenager,” said exhibitor Ananya Purhit. “I think the workforce is becoming so much more STEM related and even if you are not trying to go into a STEM career, the soft skills that you learn are incredibly important.”

Dr. Archana Maniar, an infectious disease physician and author, presented “Creativity as an Antidote to Burnout,” at the Empower Rancho Workshop on Aug. 29 focusing on the role creative activities can play in managing stress and maintaining well-being.

The robotics display offered students a close look at one possible path into science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It also placed students already involved in those fields directly in front of younger attendees who may be considering similar programs.

“Coming to events like this is important because we can get people interested in STEM and robotics, especially girls,” said Tech Talons Riddhi Rana. “I want participants to know that its not as daunting as it seems, its really fun as well. I want them to be open to new opportunities and try new things thing.”

Girl Scout Troop 1290 also participated, sharing information about youth leadership and community involvement. SMUD representatives staffed a booth where attendees could learn about the utility, its community resources and internships.

The workshop’s speaker series addressed challenges young people and families may face while planning for college, work and adult life.

Girl Scout Troop 1290 attended the Empower Rancho Workshop on Aug. 29, sharing information about youth leadership and community involvement.

Tracy Chatters of TLC Educational Consulting discussed college options beyond the University of California system and ways students can search for scholarships. The presentation encouraged families to consider a wider range of schools and financial-aid opportunities rather than treating one university system as the only route to higher education.

“What I am working with students today is talking about college fit, how you find the place that is right for you, for your academics goals, career goals and financial goals,” said Chatters. “The talk I am giving today is four reasons a UC education might not be right for you.”

Dr. Archana Maniar, an infectious disease physician and author, presented “Creativity as an Antidote to Burnout,” focusing on the role creative activities can play in managing stress and maintaining well-being.

The event was geared primarily toward middle and high school students but was open to people of all ages. Its structure allowed attendees to move between speakers, activity stations and community booths rather than spend the day in a single presentation.

“I always encourage kids, especially high schoolers and middle schoolers, to explore, explore, explore. Find your interests and continue to branch out, especially when you have a good idea in mind,” Banerjee said of what she hopes attendees will take away from the event.

The workshop was supported primarily through the city of Rancho Cordova’s Community Enhancement & Investment Fund. Sponsors and contributors also included Trader Joe’s, Bel Air, SMUD, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Costco, Sacramento Consulting Group, Mantra and Paris Baguette Bakery Cafe.