Here at Expanding Boundaries International (EBI), we believe that technology and international education are everyone’s right, regardless of economic, social, or racial background. For the past 12 years of global impact, we have worked hard to bridge the digital and cultural divide for over 400 youth annually across Baltimore City, Carroll County, and Ghana.

Our mission is deeply personal to me. Growing up in Ghana, I did not use a computer for the very first time until I was 16 years old. Later in life, a wonderful professor helped me overcome huge obstacles so I could study abroad in China. That life-changing journey showed me how exploration builds independence and opens up infinite possibilities. I started EBI in 2014 to pass that kindness forward and make sure underserved youth can see themselves as global innovators.

To prepare our students for life after high school, our flagship STEAM Exchange program focuses on one major workforce industry every single year. We have already explored aviation, energy, and agriculture. This year, our brilliant students in Maryland and Ghana are diving headfirst into the Automotive Industry!

From Walking to Electric Wheels: Driving Through History

Before our youth started designing, we wanted them to understand how humanity has always used perseverance to move forward. We shared stories of how people used to travel solely by walking, or by using horses and donkeys. Then, we discussed the very first gas-powered automobile.

To make this history come alive, our students looked at how early transportation shaped our communities. We discussed how the invention of the wheel and the steam engine changed how goods were moved across countries. This historical journey helped our students see that every major leap in transport required people to solve big problems with very limited tools.

Innovation is rarely easy. We taught our students that back when inventors were creating the first cars, people often judged them because the technology was not normal yet. People were afraid of how fast the cars moved and preferred their reliable horses. Our youth learned how the automotive world has changed from those early days all the way to modern electric cars. They explored how the assembly line made cars affordable for everyone, and how safety features like seatbelts and airbags were added over time. Today, they are looking at how electric vehicles use smart batteries to protect our environment. By understanding this timeline, our students realize that they are the next inventors who will write the future chapter of transportation.

Connecting Robotics to Real Cars: Learning from the Inside Out

To bring these historical lessons to life, our students map these real-world engineering concepts directly to their physical mBot robotics projects. We want them to know that every car on the road started as a simple thought in someone’s mind, and they can build models of those ideas today.

During our hands-on sessions, our instructors emphasize that the mBot is a perfect model for understanding actual automotive systems. Our students explore how the mBot’s components mimic the architecture of real vehicles. Specifically, they learn how:

  • The Chassis: The structural frame of the mBot acts just like a real car chassis that supports the engine, transmission, and passengers.

  • The Motors: The physical motors on their robots represent the propulsion systems that drive real cars forward.

  • The Sensors: The mBot’s ultrasonic and radar sensors match the exact technology that modern vehicles use. Students see how real cars use radar, vision cameras, and ultrasonic sensors to identify obstacles, deploy safety features, and protect both pedestrians and the environment.

Our youth also learn about the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which serves as the “brain” of modern vehicles. To drive this point home, we highlight a mind-blowing fact: modern cars actually have more lines of code inside them than space shuttles! This positions computer programming not just as a fun hobby, but as a crucial workforce skill for future careers in the automotive industry.

A Note from Our Instructor, Uncle Niyi:

“Teaching these students how a small robotic sensor mirrors the advanced safety systems in modern electric cars is powerful. We are not just teaching them how to build toy cars. We are giving them the exact logical tools they need to engineer the actual transit systems of tomorrow.”

Designing for Toyota: Turning Ideas into Reality

To test their knowledge, our students play fun educational games on Blooket every week. They also dive into active coding assignments using Scratch.

We gave our students an exciting challenge: Design a futuristic car for the next 20 to 30 years!

Our youth have been using Scratch to code and simulate these futuristic vehicles. They have already created incredible digital concepts, including solar-powered vans that implement real movement and custom sound effects. Our instructors encourage them to continue practicing with Scratch, document their designs, and carefully label every car part to fully understand the engineering process.

Our youth learn about the rigorous concept testing and engineering checks that happen before an idea goes from paper to a computer screen, and finally to the assembly line. When our sessions return in August, our students will take their skills even further. They are currently studying the Toyota brand so they can design a real vehicle concept to pitch for Toyota’s future lineup of cars!

Breaking Down Stereotypes and Job Titles

When many kids think about cars, they only think about local mechanics or car repair shops. We broke down the automotive industry to show them the vast career paths available. If a student loves cars, they can become a:

  • Software Engineer: Working on the heavy computerization, coding, and smart technology inside modern vehicles.
  • Clean Energy Expert: Developing the battery power and clean technology that drives electric cars.
  • Design Architect or Painter: Creating the beautiful shapes, concepts, and visual styles of the vehicle.

Pivoting with Purpose: A Virtual Trip to Amazon

We wrapped up our amazing spring session with a combined virtual field trip to an Amazon Fulfillment Center. In the past, managing separate in-person field trips for all seven of our hubs in Ghana was tough due to varying local resources. On top of that, small nonprofits everywhere are facing tough financial times. To cut down on expenses while keeping things highly educational, we pivoted to a virtual format.

The results were incredible! Students from Maryland and Ghana logged in together to see the exact moment a customer clicks “order” to the moment the package leaves the warehouse. They learned about the incredible technology behind the scenes, especially how Amazon uses automotive robots to sort, pack, and mail items. Supported by our wonderful team members introducing the sessions from Nigeria and Ghana, our students practiced deep perseverance and maintained a strong growth mindset while working through these technical challenges. It was the perfect way to see real-world automation in action!

What is Next for EBI?

It has been a truly rewarding spring session. Our youth are building global confidence, developing critical thinking skills, and expanding their boundaries every single day. We are resting up now, but we will be right back in action this August for our summer camp, followed by our full fall session in September.

Before our summer camp begins, we have a very exciting milestone. We are hosting a special field trip to the Ghana Embassy. Before that, we are taking our 14-day Study Abroad program trip to Ghana! We are taking 10 brilliant high school and college students from Baltimore, Maryland, over to Ghana. This amazing trip will bring our STEAM Exchange students from Ghana, Nigeria, Baltimore, and Prince George’s County together in person.

We cannot wait to see the incredible vehicle designs our students present to Toyota later this year!

Join the Movement!

Are you ready to support the next generation of global problem solvers? Whether you want to volunteer your time, mentor a student, or donate to support our tech resources, we would love to have you on our team.

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About the Author: Leticia

Meet Leticia Nortey, a passionate Global Advocate for Tech and Cultural Education. With a professional background as a Cyber Security Analyst, she brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge to her advocacy work. Her mission is to bridge the gap between technology and cultural education, enabling individuals worldwide to leverage tech tools while preserving their cultural heritage and opening themselves up to world of diverse views. As the proud founder of a flourishing nonprofit organization, Leticia has made a profound impact in communities around the globe. Her organization empowers individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today's tech-driven world, while also promoting the importance of cultural education. Leticia's journey is filled with personal stories that resonate with many. From overcoming challenges in the tech industry as a woman of color to her tireless efforts in establishing her nonprofit, her story is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to her cause. Testimonials from those who have been positively impacted by her work further underline Leticia's influence. They speak of her dedication, her ability to inspire, and her unique approach that combines tech education with a deep respect for cultural diversity. In her own words, Leticia believes that "Technology and culture are not mutually exclusive, but rather, they can coexist and enrich one another." This powerful statement encapsulates her mission and the positive change she strives to make in the world. Join Leticia in her mission. Be part of the movement that leverages technology to preserve and celebrate our diverse cultures. Together, we can make a difference. Let's ACT - Advocate for tech, Celebrate culture, and Transform lives.

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