Here at Team 1708, Amp'D Robotics, we emphasize robotics as a partnership between scholars for advancement towards a common goal. FRC is not only about robots, it's about community, growth and graciously rising to meet a shared challenge through the strong minds of high school students. This year we are designing. programming, and building a robot within complex parameters with the help of industry professionals.
We understand that in a region that has been forced to reinvent itself after the decline of the steel industry there remains a great need for the kind of engagement that can inspire economic and societal revitalization. In McKeesport, where unemployment is higher than the national average, there are many barriers to advancement. Despite these handicaps, our robotics team has managed to thrive as well as give hope to the community.
Participation in FIRST robotics provides our students with exposure to opportunities in STEAM career pathways that will allow them to contribute to the economic redevelopment of the region and to grow as partners for a bright future. We provide the necessary tools and teach each student programming, machining, fabrication, and designing (a robot) in order to pursue whichever avenue they want to pursue in a higher education setting while they have fun.
We help to enable roughly 40 students a year in the underdeveloped area learn life skills along with industry skills through an organized setting, allowing them to pursue their dreams after high school. This not only helps the community with technical professionals long-term but also brings the knowledge back into a dying area.
This project has provided additional documentation in a DOCX file (projdoc.docx).
