California FIRST Teams Advocate for Robotics Funding at the State Capitol

California FIRST Teams Advocate for Robotics Funding at the State Capitol

by | Nov 5, 2024 | Blog

GUEST POST BY: Parnika K (FRC 649, MSET Fish) and Ananya P (FTC 25742,Tech Talons)

 

On October 27th, 15 FIRST robotics teams traveled to the California State Capitol to attend the third annual California Advocacy Leadership Conference (CALC) hosted by the Student Association for STEM Advocacy (SASA). At the conference, they learned key advocacy strategies that helped them champion increasing funding for STEM and robotics programs in California.

Robotics teams spent a day learning about effective advocacy techniques, the legislative process, two legislative requests, and experienced several inspiring keynote speeches. On the second day, attendees used their advocacy skills to conduct effective advocacy meetings with their representatives to expand STEM education for all students in California.

“It was spectacular having over 20 California teams, most of whom were new to advocacy, gain excitement and knowledge about the legislative process throughout the conference. We saw teams conduct their meetings at the Capitol with the utmost professionalism, sincerity and confidence of a robotics advocate.” -Manlin Z.,SET Cuttlefish (FTC 6165) member

At the 2024 CALC, students were empowered to advocate with:

  • Inspiring keynote speeches about STEM and robotics
  • Education about important legislature relating to STEM and robotics, like Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELOP)
  • Introduction to the California Budgeting Process
  • Local Advocacy Panel with Q&A that introduced teams to legislative and education professionals in the region
  • Information about our two legislative asks
  • A practice meeting demonstrating effective advocacy skills
  • Networking events connecting robotics teams to others in California
  • Time to collaborate and practice speaking with other participating teams

ADVOCACY ASKS

Students advocated for important causes, asking constituents to push for increasing access to STEM education in California. There were primarily 2 pieces of legislation students wanted to further at CALC 2024:

 

  1. STEM/Robotics Grant: Robotics students spoke with California legislators to help in establishing a grant program in order to encourage and help launch and sustain robotics teams across the state, based on successful models in other states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and New York. Its aim will be to increase access to practical STEM education, thereby allowing more students to acquire experience in robotics and develop skills that are very relevant for future careers in the field of STEM.
  2. Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP): The second request was for the legislature to continue to fund ELOP at or above its current level of $4 billion. ELOP helps support K-8 after-school and summer learning opportunities, particularly in underserved and underrepresented communities. Expanding ELOP could mean that more funds can be directed toward STEM and robotics programs in areas that otherwise have limited availability of these opportunities, thus making STEM experiences in California more accessible and equitable.

After attending the conference, advocates were ready to put their skills into action and meet with their respective representatives. Thank you to all the legislative offices that met with our teams!

This year’s conference enabled the students to grasp the advocacy skills and use a stronger voice within the legislative arena. From intensive training sessions to meaningful discussions with legislators, participants took home knowledge on the power of informed, targeted advocacy. 

TAKEAWAYS

Here are the main takeaways showcasing the impactful experiences and lasting influence of CALC 2024!

  1. For many of the participants, this conference was their first experience with advocacy. Teams learned about legislative processes and how state funding impacts STEM. They were excited to have their voices heard on issues they’re passionate about.
  2. With the workshops, practice sessions, and listening to key speakers, the students really felt prepared to speak confidently with the legislators. Their preparation enabled them to effectively get across the importance of increasing accessibility in STEM throughout California.
  3. It was clear, focused “asks”—the establishment of a dedicated robotics grant program and continued support for ELOP—that gave students well-defined goals that really resonated with representatives. Their advocacy stressed the importance of targeted funding in helping bridge the access gap in STEM, more so in underserved areas.
  4. CALC brought teams from across the state together, allowing students to connect with one another, collaborate, and strengthen California’s robotics community. This camaraderie built a support network that will be able to drive future advocacy efforts and inspire more teams to join.
  5. Robotics teams had a chance to lobby state legislators directly, focusing on their role as constituents and advocates. Their professionalism and clarity of requests made it clear what a positive force the students can be in shaping the future of STEM education.

California representatives were incredibly supportive of the mission. In addition to teaching essential skills applicable to the workforce, CALC empowered students to experience how advocating as a group can create a positive impact on STEM education. If you are interested in more information, please check out the SASA website: https://mysasa.org/.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Whether or not your team attended CALC this year, there’s an important next step that you can take to support STEM advocacy: invite your local government representatives to one of your upcoming FIRST competitions!

Nothing has a stronger impact than seeing the energy, skill, and dedication of FIRST teams in action. When your representative sees the excitement and professionalism at a FIRST event, it brings STEM advocacy to life in a way that meetings or reports simply can’t match. Here’s how you can make it happen:

  1. Reach out to your representatives – Send a friendly invitation for them to attend a competition or showcase event. Highlight that it’s an opportunity for them to see firsthand the value of FIRST in developing future innovators and leaders.
  2. Let us know if they plan to attend – If you receive confirmation that a representative is coming, please inform your Regional Director (RD) or Program Delivery Partner (PDP) so they can help support your visit and ensure the experience is impactful.

Let’s continue the momentum from CALC and make sure our leaders see the power of STEM education in action. Together, we can inspire change and expand opportunities for future generations!

Will you consider championing greater accessibility to STEM education at the 4th Annual California Advocacy Conference in Sacramento, coming up in fall 2025? Be part of advocacy that aims to inspire and equip the next generation of innovators. Together, let’s work toward creating opportunities for all students to thrive in STEM.

BIG THANKS!

The California Advocacy Leadership Conference ran smoothly due to the hard work of many dedicated individuals and robotics teams behind the scenes. A big thank you to SASA for driving STEM advocacy forward and making this event a success!

Thank you to the following FIRST teams who worked hard to organize this conference!

FRC 649, MSET Fish; FRC 1138, Eagle Engineering; FRC 1622, Team Spyder; FRC 1671, Buchanan Bird Brains; FRC 2485, Overclocked; FRC 3476, Code Orange; FTC 6165, MSET Cuttlefish; FTC 13356, Roboforce; FTC 20163, Metal Maniacs; FTC 23280, Team C.A.R.T; FTC 25742, TechTalons

    Qualcomm Career Chat Takeaways

    Qualcomm Career Chat Takeaways

    by | Oct 30, 2024 | Blog

    Earlier this month we chatted with Qualcomm about their internship program and how you can start your tech career. During this session, we learned from Rami Mouro, Engineer (Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.) and FIRST alumnus, and Samantha Welch, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, about Qualcomm’s career paths and how to prepare for them.

    Rami shared his journey to Qualcomm Technologies and provided insight on his day-to-day as an embedded software engineer and how skillsets from FIRST translates into his role. Rami stressed that problem-solving and communication skills he learned with FIRST are skills that benefit him until this day.

    “Building and programming robots and figuring out why and how things work and what we can do to make them better helped me both in college and at work.” – Rami Mouro

    What was Rami’s path?

    • B.A. Computer Science from the University of Colorado Boulder (focus on embedded courses)
    • Applied to a Qualcomm internship and participated in Qualcomm’s interview process
    • Interned for two consecutive summers with Qualcomm then returned Full Time after graduating as an Embedded Software Engineer at Qualcomm Technologies
    • Involved with FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics Competition – FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA) and community resource in CO (and typically FTA at FIRST Championship); FIRST Robotics Competition – lead technical mentor for Team 2972

    How can you best prepare for an internship at Qualcomm?

      Explore

      The Qualcomm team hires students and engineers in roles across software, hardware, systems, and more! Learn how to prepare for these roles by identifying technical and foundational skills to build upon in high school and beyond.

      FIRST students become well-versed in crucial skills for careers in tech including programming in C/C++, teamwork, perseverance, communication, public speaking, and more.

      Prepare

      Consider furthering your education. This may look like a 4-year degree or an alternative path. 

      Develop a resume. Highlight your FIRST experience via a “Projects” or “Involvement” section.

      Tell us about this experience via bullet points, sharing what skills you utilized, how you used them, and the result of your efforts.

      Connect

      Stay connected to the FIRST Alumni network to engage in career talks, workshops and activities that will help launch your career into tech.

      Campus Involvement

      At college, connect with the Career Center to learn about Qualcomm and other top-tier companies.

      Continue working on projects and sharpening technical and foundational skills.

      Get involved with a student organization or become a teaching assistant.

      Apply

      When eligible, apply for the roles most aligned with your skills and interests. For our Summer USA internships, please check our career page around September annually. 

      Eligibility for most Qualcomm internships is pursuing a Bachelors (Junior or higher), Masters, or Ph.D.

      Experience Qualcomm

      We support your success! You will be assigned mentor who will help you navigate your new team, provide you resources to solve complex problems, and welcome you to the Qualcomm community.

       Intern events include: Executive Speaker Series, Networking Events, Social Events, Homerooms, Intern Days of Service, and more!

      What specific qualities or skills does Qualcomm look for in candidates?

      •   Tech stack: C, C++, Python
      •   Juniors and seniors pursuing bachelor’s, master’s or Ph.D.
      •   Involvement! Join a student organization, partake in leadership roles, tutor or TA for a class
      •   Highlight projects on your resume

      Next Steps

      Uniting Future-Shapers at the 2024 FIRST Mentor Conference

      Uniting Future-Shapers at the 2024 FIRST Mentor Conference

      by | Sep 10, 2024 | Blog

      The 2024 FIRST Mentor Conference (FMC) in San Jose, California was a sold out event in August that brought together mentors from across the globe to share knowledge, build connections, and inspire one another. 

      A Gathering of Minds

      Hosted at Google, the FMC attracted 400 participants from over 170 teams, spanning 28 states and 5 countries and provided a unique opportunity for these individuals to come together and share their experiences, challenges, and successes.

       A Variety of Sessions

      Throughout the weekend, attendees had the chance to participate in 60 sessions designed to provide valuable insights and practical skills. These sessions included:

      • 41 Workshops: Hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences.
      • 10 Panels: Expert discussions on various topics related to mentoring and robotics.
      • 6 Roundtable Discussions: Collaborative conversations allowing for the exchange of ideas and strategies.
      • 3 Keynote Speeches: Inspirational talks from FIRST leaders and veteran mentors.

      Diverse Perspectives, Insights and Resources

      One of the standout features of the 2024 FMC was the diversity among its presenters. With 64 presenters representing 28 different teams and 9 organizations, the conference showcased a wide range of perspectives and expertise. 

      Presenters shared 33 resources throughout the conference, providing attendees with tools and materials to enhance their mentoring practices. These resources ranged from technical guides and best practices to templates for team management and fundraising. The collaborative environment fostered meaningful discussions and encouraged mentors to adopt new strategies and approaches.

      “You really need to experience it to get it. I’ve been attending and presenting at smaller FRC conferences for my entire FRC career, and nothing had the energy or atmosphere of the FIRST mentor conference. The diversity and engagement of the attendees was incredible.”  – Adam Heard from Team 581 (California)

      “It was an amazing event and truly impactful on me personally and I believe on many many others who were attendants. The impact goes beyond the presentations and conversations that were held there. I truly believe these kinds of events are going to be the backbone of us growing stronger mentors across FIRST.” – Norm Morgan, 2024 Woodie Flowers winner and mentor on Team 2468 (Texas)

      • Building Stronger Teams: Throughout the conference, sessions focused on team development and management, offering practical advice for building cohesive and successful teams. From recruitment strategies to conflict resolution techniques, mentors picked up ideas to help them build positive and productive teams..
      • Enhancing Technical Skills: Technical workshops provided hands-on learning experiences, allowing mentors to deepen their knowledge of robotics and engineering principles. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, from advanced programming techniques to mechanical design, making sure mentors are ready to support their teams..
      • Encouraging Inclusion and Diversity: The FMC highlighted the importance of promoting inclusion and diversity within the FIRST community. Sessions focused on strategies for creating inclusive team environments and encouraging participation from underrepresented groups. By creating a respectful and inclusive environment, mentors can help make sure every student has a chance to succeed.
      • Fostering Innovation: Innovation is at the heart of the FIRST mission, and the FMC provided numerous opportunities for mentors to explore new ideas and approaches. Workshops and discussions encouraged creative problem-solving and experimentation, helping mentors inspire their teams to think outside the box.
      • Strengtheing Connections: The conference also served as a platform for building and strengthening connections between mentors. Attendees had the chance to connect with peers, share experiences, and form lasting relationships. These connections will be invaluable as mentors continue to support one another and work towards common goals.

      Lab Crawls Delight

      The Lab Crawls were a hit with local teams opening their build space and providing sweets, offering tours and sharing their experiences with the 2024 FMC attendees.

       

      Stay tuned for FMC 2025

      As we look forward to FMC 2025, mentors and members of the FIRST community are invited to join in for another inspiring and impactful event. 

      Sign up for FMC 2025 Interest List

      Robots Making Waves Aboard the USS Hornet

      Robots Making Waves Aboard the USS Hornet

      by | Aug 7, 2024 | Blog

      FIRST Robotics Competition on an Aircraft Carrier

      Imagine robots battling it out not in a typical arena but on the flight deck of a historic aircraft carrier. This year’s Sunset Showdown brought this vision to life, captivating the FIRST community near and far. Held from July 19-21, 2024, the event took place on the USS Hornet, a historic aircraft carrier renowned for its pivotal role in World War II and space exploration recovery missions. The event was presented by FIRST California and Team 5924 – Golden Gate Robotics.

      A Spectacular Beginning

      The event, set against the stunning backdrop of the USS Hornet and the city skyline, brought together 40 teams from California, Colorado, Michigan, Florida, and New Jersey to compete in an adapted version of the 2024 FRC game. We were also fortunate to have volunteers from across North America, including Indiana, Southern California, Canada, New York, South Carolina, Montana, Michigan, Florida, Colorado, and, of course, NorCal. The outdoor setting presented new challenges for the teams, adding a fresh and exciting dimension to the FIRST off-season calendar.

      The USS Hornet Experience

      Hosting a robotics competition on an aircraft carrier brought its own set of unique challenges and opportunities. Outdoor conditions required adaptations to the rules and strategies, but teams rose to the occasion.

      Adaptations: Rule modifications accounted for wind and lighting conditions, ensuring a smooth competition. Organizers took proactive steps to mitigate normal wind levels, allowing teams to focus on their robots’ performance.

      Some participants wondered if the aircraft carrier’s movement would affect gyro sensors, while others were concerned about camera functionality under varying lighting conditions.

      Teams had to adapt their designs for the unique outdoor setting. This included reinforcing structures to withstand wind and optimizing sensors to cope with fluctuating lighting.

      Some teams developed custom shielding for their sensors, while others used software algorithms to compensate for environmental variations.

      Logistics:  There was a ramp, scissor lift, 30-ton aircraft elevator from the 1950s, and the crane that was used to pull the Apollo 11 & 12 capsules out of the ocean involved in getting the field just from the container to the deck.

      The Sunset Showdown pushed teams to think outside the box, leading to new innovations in robotics design and strategy.

      A Positive Reception

      Overall participants seemed thrilled with the environment. 

      Some fun feedback:

       “Playing with robots on an aircraft carrier was a dream come true!” 

      “I gotta say, it hasn’t even been a full day and this event is shaping up to be the most positive and fun environment of any competition I have ever been to.”

      “Neither the sunset nor the Showdown disappoint.”

      “Had an absolute blast! Shoutout to all the people that were behind event planning and 5924. This had to have been the best vibe of any event I’ve ever attended including Champs.”

      “It was an absolutely amazing venue, well run, and great interactions with other teams.”

      “I’ve only been affiliated with FRC for three years, but this event, by far, was the most fun.”

      Mentor Matches raise $10,000

      The mentor matches raised $10,000 for Alameda County Community Food Bank!

      Reflecting on a Successful Event

      The Sunset Showdown on the USS Hornet was a groundbreaking success. It brought together the FIRST community from California and beyond to compete in a truly unique environment, pushing the boundaries of innovation and community engagement. 

      In the News – https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/07/21/photos-apollo-exhibit-aboard-the-uss-hornet-museum/ 

      By combining the thrill of competition with an awe-inspiring venue, the Sunset Showdown has proven that the sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning.

      Western Edge Open: A True Masterpiece

      Western Edge Open: A True Masterpiece

      by | Aug 7, 2024 | FLL - Southern, Uncategorized

      From May 31 to June 2, 2024, the Long Beach Convention Center experienced a whirlwind of innovation, teamwork, and pure awesomeness at the Western Edge Open FIRST LEGO League competition.

      It was truly a masterpiece! 750 brilliant young minds from 20 different countries, 85 teams bringing their A-game, and 130 superstar volunteers making it all happen. The energy? Absolutely off the charts.

      For three action-packed days, students showcased their skills, proving that the future of STEM is brighter than ever. This wasn’t just any competition – it was a celebration of creativity, problem-solving, and FUN with a capital F!

      Highlights That’ll Make You Wish You Were There

      • Dance Party Extravaganza: Our first day ended with a high-energy dance party that had everyone grooving. Even the robots were jealous!
      • Minifig Trading Friday: Teams swapped their prized LEGO Minifigs and new friendships were forged over shared love for tiny, colorful, plastic personas.
      • I Spy Saturday: The future is so bright, participants had to build their own LEGO shades on day two.

      From epic robots to brilliant teamwork, every moment at the Western Edge Open proved that when young innovators come together, magic happens. The air was electric with ideas, the arena was buzzing with excitement, and the future of STEM? Well, it’s in pretty amazing hands!

      On-the-Spot Challenge: Alliances in Action!

      Think you’ve seen teamwork? Think again! After the regular competition came to an end, our ingenious competitors faced the ultimate test in the “On-the-Spot” challenge. Teams were paired up with two surprise alliance partners and had to reprogram their robots on the fly for a brand-new challenge. Talk about thinking on your feet!

       FIRST LEGO League Explore Game

      California Southern FIRST LEGO League has piloted an FLL Explore game for the past 3 years and decided to bring it to WE. Using the mat they received in their field set up box, teams were given a Western Edge specific game where they would try to complete 15 simple push/pull missions in 2 minutes.

       A Round of Applause for Our Unsung Heroes

      None of this would have been possible without the incredible dedication of our volunteers, mentors, and parents. These unsung heroes worked tirelessly behind (and in front of!) the scenes, from early mornings to late nights, ensuring every aspect of  Western Edge Open ran smoothly. To the volunteers who kept the competition humming, the mentors who nurtured young minds, and the parents who provided unwavering support – we salute you! Your passion and commitment are the foundation upon which these young innovators build their dreams.

      Who knows? The next world-changing idea might have just been born between a couple of LEGO bricks in Long Beach!

      Congratulations Are In Order

      Let’s take a moment to recognize all the incredible teams who made it to the Western Edge Open. Earning a spot here is a huge accomplishment in itself. Bravo to each and every participant!

      See a full gallery of photos!

      Western Edge Open

      You can find a full list of results here.

      Champions Award

      Fran Robots

      1st Place Robot Design

      Cosmic LEGO F.O.R.C.E.

      1st Place Core Values

      Bowler Dazzle Bots

      1st Place Innovation Project

      Power Pandas

      1st Place Robot Performance

      Lego Mania

      Breakthrough Award

      GRAT-ANUNCIATA

      Motivate Award

      Super Smash Bro-Bots

      Engineering Excellence

      Wonks and the Chocolate Bots

      Rising All-Star

      4-H S.C.R.E.A.M.

      On The Spot - 1st Place

      Pits 67 – 68 – 69 with a score of 195

      Teams: Legotronics, GSM 5a5

      Breakthrough Award

      Difference Engines

      Motivate Award

      Nucleólicos 

      Engineering Excellence

      Best Bot Builders

      Rising All-Star

      HONDURAS ANTARES BRIGHT GAZELLES

      On The Spot - 2nd Place

       Pits 46 – 47 – 48 with a score of 195

      Teams: RoboDogs, Butterfly Effect, Warrior Bots

      Breakthrough Award

      Completo Palta Mayo Sasageyo! 

      Motivate Award

      GSM 5&5

      Engineering Excellence

      Pinkston Robotics

      Rising All-Star

      ACM ROBOTICS

      On The Spot - 3rd Place

      Pits 40 – 41 – 42 with a score of 170

      Teams: Say Watt?!, Pianofortes, Tech Titans

      THANK YOU MENTORS & VOLUNTEERS!

      This event would not have been possible without our mentors and volunteers. Congratulations to these special awards winners – and thank you!

      Coach/Mentor Award

      Mrs. Daniela Mejia
      from HONDURAS ANTARES BRIGHT GAZELLES

      Coach/Mentor Award

      Toni Xavier
      from Mechanical Meatloaf with a side of Pickles

      Coach/Mentor Award

      Mr. D Gupta
      from Code Breakerz

      RE-LIVE THE ACTION!

      Check @FIRSTRoboticsCalifornia and @socalFIRSTLEGO Instagram to re-live the action from the weekend or click below to see posts!

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