The project will support and engage a diverse local student group in applied robotics projects in First Lego League and FIRST Robotics Competition (FLL and FRC). Monterey High School Robotics program has participated in FRC for six years prior. A high level, extremely challenging Robotics competition, First Robotics is often described by students and participants as “The Hardest Fun you’ll ever have”. Robotics is more than simply designing, building and competing against other Robotics groups. Many levels of hands on collaborative challenges exist, including Organizational Structuring and Management, Leadership, Accounting, Design and Testing, Machining, Fabrication, Public Relations, Social Media, Marketing, Communications, Transportation, Community Relations, Mentoring, Quality Control, and Logistics. Students have the opportunity to develop career and interpersonal skills by working together in the MHS Robotics program. The team will design and develop robots to compete in local and regional events in Northern California. Mentors from the local community, parents, MHS students and teacher Robin Coyne will provide training and preparation for the events. A program goal is to host a FIRST Robotics regional on the Monterey Peninsula.
Robotics at Monterey High School is expanding career opportunities for local students. Primarily, to meet the industry requirements for a highly trained, skilled workforce. 2017 will be the first year for FLL in the Monterey Peninsula Unified School district. MHS Robotics students, teacher Robin Coyne (along with MHS students and FRC lead mentors) will team with Walter Colton Middle school students to develop and field an FLL team. FIRST Lego League is an introductory robotics program that exposes students to many of the FRC challenges but on a basic level. The primary focus is to compete at and win FLL robotics events. A future goal is to host a local FIRST Lego League robotics competition for the rookie and veteran FLL teams in Northern California.
Despite earnest efforts to fund robotics events through the district and support through grants (including educational partnerships with Industry) annual shortfalls exist. Teacher, students, parents, and mentors participate locally in many community events to provide financial support for the MHS Robotics Program. The program participants are actively engaged in grant writing, fundraising and searching for ongoing sponsor support needed to maintain and further develop opportunities for the MHS Robotics Program. Our current financial goal is $75,000 (initially) and to find renewable grants, donations, and sponsorship estimated at $35,000 annually.
