Veronica Salinas

Team Mario, a nonprofit dedicated to autism awareness and support, recently hosted its annual Summer Robotics Camp for neurodivergent individuals at South Texas College’s Mid-Valley Campus in Weslaco.

The camp is part of Team Mario’s SOAR Program, which aims to provide young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) access to educational, independent living and social experiences.

Now in its second year at the Mid-Valley campus, the weeklong camp offered participants hands-on learning in robotics, coding and teamwork—all within a collegiate environment.

Campers were guided by instructors from the Texas Robotic Alliance, who led lessons on robot building and various programming techniques.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to give kids with ASD the opportunity to explore what’s possible in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM),” said Jordan Hernandez, instructor with the Texas Robotic Alliance. “There are so many careers in robotics and coding, and seeing these students succeed and enjoy themselves is very fulfilling.”

Team Mario’s mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum through education, resources and advocacy. Hosting the camp at a college campus not only introduced students to STEM concepts, but also immersed them in a higher education setting, which many had never experienced before.

“One of our goals is to offer programs at community venues,” said Christine Clifford, program director for Team Mario. “Having the camp here at STC is incredible because students were able to engage with their peers in a college environment. For many, this was their first time on a college campus and it was powerful to hear them say things like, ‘I can go to college too.’”

Many of the campers have already completed high school, and for them, this experience represents more than just a summer activity—it’s a stepping stone toward their goals of higher education, personal growth and greater independence. Immersing themselves in a college campus setting allows them to envision a future where they are not only capable of attending college, but thriving in it.

“We hope they leave with the belief that they can do this—that they can participate in robotics and technology, and that college is a real, attainable goal for them,” said Clifford. “When students see themselves in this environment, it can reshape what they think is possible.”

Krystal Garcia, also a program director with Team Mario, emphasized the importance of exposure in unlocking students’ potential.

“This camp gives students the chance to explore if STEM might be their niche,” said Garcia. “Sometimes we underestimate their capabilities simply because they haven’t had the opportunity to try. Exposure can open doors to talents and interests they never knew they had.”

Garcia also emphasized the broader impact programs like this can have on the community—not just for the students, but for society as a whole, and highlighted the urgent need for greater awareness, understanding and inclusion of individuals on the autism spectrum.

“We hope more people hear about this camp,” Garcia said. “It’s not just about robotics—it’s about opening minds and creating spaces where all students feel seen, supported and capable.”

By bringing neurodivergent students into mainstream settings like a college campus and exposing them to fields such as STEM, the camp challenges outdated assumptions about what students with autism can or cannot do. It also sends a strong message to the community: inclusion isn’t just possible, it’s essential.

“Acceptance and opportunity are vital,” Garcia continued. “Programs like this don’t just benefit the students—we’re building a more inclusive community. One where neurodivergent individuals are given the same chances to explore their interests, develop their talents and be celebrated for who they are.”

STC Campus Administrator Daniel Montez says programs like the robotics camp are key to creating meaningful access, opportunity and inclusion for all students.

“We are all about inclusion at STC and our goal is to ensure that as many individuals as possible have access to education and training opportunities,” said Montez. “Camps like this are incredibly important because they provide a platform for neurodivergent students to discover and showcase their unique skills and talents. By creating spaces where students feel supported and empowered, we’re not only helping them grow but also strengthening our community by embracing the potential that exists in every individual.”

Through visibility, advocacy and hands-on experiences like the robotics camp, Team Mario and STC aim to shift the narrative and foster a culture of belonging where all young people, regardless of neurodiversity, can thrive.

Photo Caption: Team Mario, a nonprofit dedicated to autism awareness and support, recently hosted its annual Summer Robotics Camp for neurodivergent individuals at South Texas College’s Mid-Valley Campus in Weslaco.