We empower educators and inspire students to become the next generation of problem-solvers ready to transform the future.
At the KISS Institute for Practical Robotics, we envision a future where every individual, regardless of background, has equal access to transformative educational experiences, enabling them to tackle challenges and seize opportunities. We achieve this through a STEM-focused curriculum that rapidly integrates emerging technologies essential for thriving in an evolving technological landscape while fostering a future-ready culture of collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving.
The KISS Institute for Practical Robotics (KIPR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on advancing STEM education through robotics. Established in 1994 and based in Norman, Oklahoma, KIPR is dedicated to fostering autonomous robotics technologies for educational purposes.
As a national organization, KIPR is supported by a dedicated staff, enthusiastic volunteers, and generous sponsors. The institute was co-founded with a vision to establish a center of excellence for autonomous robotics technology, providing STEM education that encompasses the training of educators and mentors, while engaging students in collaborative, rigorous, and goal-oriented STEM activities. These activities are designed to illuminate academic and career pathways within STEM fields.
A key aspect of KIPR’s educational philosophy is that its projects are student-driven, with adults serving as facilitators. This approach is embodied in a comprehensive strategy that includes standards-aligned curricula, reusable autonomous robotics technology, and ongoing professional development for educators. This continuous professional development and networking support has proven highly effective, as educators have a daily, lasting influence on their students. Teachers, often serving as role models, play a crucial role in guiding students’ decisions about their future academic and professional pursuits in STEM.
KIPR fulfills its mission through several flagship programs, including:
In addition to these programs, KIPR engages in ongoing research and product development related to hardware, software, and curricula for autonomous robotics and STEM education. Currently, KIPR’s programs are active in 32 states and four international regions, collectively impacting an estimated 70,000 students annually. KIPR is recognized as a leading provider of programming-based educational robotics programs.