Team XBOT is a FIRST (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics team that teaches low income high school students to design, prototype, build, program, test and compete with a 120 pound robot in just 6 weeks. Our larger organization, XBOT ROBOTICS, takes the time to train students on basic skills required, but in 6 weeks, they work along side engineering and technology professionals in real-life scenarios with deadlines, then travel to Portland, OR, to compete.
We recruit high school students from South Seattle, where the population is largely low income. Franklin High School, our main population, is 90% students of color and 70% free and reduced lunch. For many of the students, a four-year college is not necessarily the most beneficial route for them to take. Many families struggle to pay for community colleges, and some do not understand the nuances of financial aid. Many of our students are first generation American and English is not spoken at home
Our programs provide students with access to science, engineering and technology professionals, mainly at Microsoft and Boeing, who work along side the students teaching basic engineering skills, mathematics and robotics. Students who may not have thought a career in science or engineering was possible, are given a taste of what they can learn in a vocational training, community college or university. Many of our mentors also help students complete college applications.
Team XBOT serves about 30 South Seattle high school students annually. Many of those students bring their siblings or cousins into the program later. The hands-on, side-by-side experience with professionals of varying educational backgrounds will aid the students in making educational decisions. Young adults who have a better idea of what they want (and do not want) to do will be more likely to take the right path coming out of high school.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
