The GigaBite Robotics team, comprised of eleven middle and high school students from South Lake Tahoe, is actively seeking community support through donations to expand STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) opportunities for local youth. This initiative is crucial as the team aims to continue its mission of fostering hands-on STEM education within the community.
Operating under the banner of FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), the GigaBite Robotics team, also known as Team 20681, has made significant strides in engaging local students in STEM activities. In the past year alone, they have mentored a rookie FIRST Lego League (FLL) team that received the Rising Stars Award and successfully competed at the Northern Nevada Championship. Their efforts include teaching STEM camps and workshops, as well as hosting community events that introduce students to the fields of robotics, engineering, and coding.
Expanding Outreach and Impact
Now in their fifth year of competition in the FTC, GigaBite Robotics continues to leverage robotics as a vehicle for teaching essential skills such as engineering principles, teamwork, and problem-solving, all while emphasizing Gracious Professionalism. This season’s challenge, titled Decode, has prompted the team to enhance their approach using data-driven design, custom CAD-built mechanisms, and a cohesive integration of software and hardware.
The team’s impact extends well beyond the competition arena. They are dedicated to mentoring younger teams, supporting FTC teams throughout Nevada and internationally, and volunteering at both FTC and FLL competitions. Additionally, they have collaborated with local schools and Lake Tahoe Community College to organize events such as STEM Discovery Night, which aims to ignite interest in STEM fields.
Over the past three summers, GigaBite Robotics has taught hands-on STEM camps, reaching over 500 students. These programs are designed to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder students from exploring opportunities in STEM.
Support Through Donations
To sustain their initiatives, GigaBite Robotics is calling for donations that will directly fund essential resources such as robot parts, 3D filament, competition registration fees, tools, travel expenses, and outreach programs. The team emphasizes that these contributions are vital in ensuring that cost is never a barrier for students eager to engage in STEM.
Donations can be made through their fundraising platform at this link. GigaBite Robotics is fiscally sponsored by Hack Club, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Their registered EIN is 81-2908499.
Your support for GigaBite Robotics not only fosters curiosity and builds confidence among young learners but also contributes to creating a stronger STEM future for the South Lake Tahoe community. The team expresses gratitude for any investment made toward local innovation and education.
