NBCA is dedicated to a curriculum that allows students the opportunity to excel in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). To facilitate STEM training efforts, NBCA has participated in the San Antonio-Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology (SA-BEST) robotics competition. SA-BEST is one hub of a national BEST competition and winners in San Antonio have the opportunity to continue on toward state and national competition. SA-BEST for 2010 assigned students the task of creating a robot to be used in a manufacturing center game format. Robots were to be designed to collect widgets (traffic cones) and gadgets (golf balls) and properly package them for shipment. At the same time, robots were to separate defective gadgets and remove them to a reclamation center. Competition each year is held at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. Competing against 28 other high schools, NBCA students in 2010 were able to capture 4th place in the robotics competition.

In addition, the NBCA design was named “Most Robust.” SA-BEST competition is a first semester event for all students desiring to be involved. The theme each year is unique and revealed only at the competition kick-off meeting. The 2011-2012 kick-off is currently scheduled for September 3. For more information contact Mr. Shute or the website: www.sabest.org.