We, the members, recently founded this team to combat lack of student-run programs and create an effective way for students to express themselves through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Our overarching goal is to bring robotics to the community and emphasize the need for students to pursue careers in STEM. Upper Echelon has two main goals. Our first goal is to build and write complex programs with robots and compete in the FIRST tournament circuit. We want to obtain a hands-on experience that would prepare us to become future engineers and effective leaders. Our second goal is to bring robotics and an awareness of STEM to our community. We want not only high school students like us to reap the benefits of robotics, but also educate primary school students to instill in them a passion for STEM. We hope to make a large impact through our team so that the adults in our community recognize the importance of robotics, engineering, and technology, and are inspired to found more teams that focus on STEM related competitions. The impact of your contributions cannot be understated. Gradually, many public schools are deviating from a focus to STEM, stymieing the passion for science and technology in students. Currently in the United States, the number of engineers graduating from a four-year university is at an all time low, and other nations are beginning to push America off the silver platter. Now, in a time where children look up to sports and celebrities more than they look up to scientists and engineers, it is vital that everyone have the opportunity to express themselves through STEM and create for themselves a better tomorrow. We need more comprehensive STEM programs.
