Our Story
In 2001, a band of robot enthusiasts decided to bring the FIRST Robotics program to an inner city, under-served high school – Franklin High School in Seattle, WA. These individuals wanted to make a difference to students who do not have the experience and/or opportunity with STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Math) projects. FHS is a uniquely diverse school with 95% students of color & 68% free/reduced lunch students.
Many of our students come from homes where little to no English is spoken, making communication with parents about team activities and accomplishments challenging. The team works diligently within these diverse communities to share its mission and demonstrate its success with business and community leaders. The team is also committed to encouraging an appreciation for the unique diversity of its members. The team annually participates in parades and traditional festivals throughout Seattle, demonstrating to children in all these communities what potential they have to make positive changes for themselves, their families and the world around them.
Since our founding, we have participated in robotics competition through For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST visit www.usfirst.org) organization. Each year, FIRST, presents students across the globe with a new game that challenges teams to to design, build, and program a 120 pound 5 feet competition robot in six short weeks. As our team has grown each year, we have extended our activity in other FIRST competitions and events in our local area.
Many of our students come from homes where little to no English is spoken, making communication with parents about team activities and accomplishments challenging. The team works diligently within these diverse communities to share its mission and demonstrate its success with business and community leaders. The team is also committed to encouraging an appreciation for the unique diversity of its members. The team annually participates in parades and traditional festivals throughout Seattle, demonstrating to children in all these communities what potential they have to make positive changes for themselves, their families and the world around them.
Since our founding, we have participated in robotics competition through For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST visit www.usfirst.org) organization. Each year, FIRST, presents students across the globe with a new game that challenges teams to to design, build, and program a 120 pound 5 feet competition robot in six short weeks. As our team has grown each year, we have extended our activity in other FIRST competitions and events in our local area.