About
Garrett Engineering and Robotics Society (GEARS) is a volunteer-based nonprofit that organizes and hosts youth robotics activities in Garrett County. Its GEARS Center is in the Accident Industrial Park at 116 Industrial Park Drive, Accident, MD 21520, and its programs are aimed at young people interested in science, technology and engineering.
Programs and Activities
GEARS describes its work as mentoring youth robotics and drone teams, running LEGO tech camps and after-school robotics workshops, and doing community outreach. Its stated mission is to get young people excited about careers in science, technology and engineering. Its own site lists FIRST programs (FRC, FTC and FLL), MATE and SeaPerch among its activities. Local FIRST Tech Challenge team G-FORCE 2818 lists the GEARS Center as its home.
How It Started
GEARS was formed in 2006 by founder Phil Malone. LEGO camps run by local educators came first, and GEARS gave those programs a permanent home and room for new ones. The Garrett County Commissioners provided the building in Accident that houses the center.
Finding the Center
Turn east off US 219 onto Industrial Park Drive, next to Dollar General. The center is at the end of the road on the left, with the GEARS name above the doors.
Address
116 Industrial Park Drive, Accident, MD 21520