Who We Are

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• To inspire young people to be leaders in science and technology
• Help students develop skills in science, engineering, technology, art, business, and marketing
• To encourage innovation and foster self-confidence, communication, and leadership
• To elevate and popularize STEM to the levels held by sports

• We are a group of students in grades 9-12 (from different Long Island schools) and industry professionals working together as a team to innovate, create, and evolve via the challenge of FIRST robotics
• Our team is independent - not affiliated with any school district, while open to all
• We are located in Melville, NY

• "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays this team from the swift completion of their robots"

Design the robot using CAD (Autodesk Inventor) to meet the challenges of the game and fabricate the parts using machining, 3-D printing, and manual techniques.

Design and build the electrical subsystem under the constraints of each year's rules. This includes electromechanical parts, such as DC Motors, servos, encoders, and sensos.

Implement the embedded robot control system and PC-side driver's station using contemporary software tools such as C++, Microsoft Visual Studio, Eclipse, Linux, and Open CV.

Develop relationships with local businesses and industries, and provide opportunities for local businesses to support STEM by donating money, time, material, or facility.

Promote STEM and FIRST at community events, and create 3-D printed prosthetic hands for donation.

Design the website, banners, buttons, flags, t-shirts, and giveaways using tools and software such as CAD, Libre Office, Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, the 3-D printer, and traditional art methods.

I am an Electrical Engineer with over 20 years of practical industry experience working on consumer, medical, industrial, aerospace, and military products from concept to realization. I have been a fully invested FIRST FRC mentor in Half Hollow Hills district since 2010. All of my 5 kids have been closely involved with FIRST. My contribution to the development includes all aspects of the design, including mechanical, and electrical sub-systems.

I have over 30 years of experience as a consultant developing software on a variety of platforms. I started with FIRST in 2014 and have loved every minute of it! Two of my children are involved with FIRST; one of which is a mentor, while the other is a student.

I am a mathematics teacher currently working in Queens College (and a NYS certified high school teacher). I have been a part of the FIRST family since 2010. I have been involved with robot design, sponsorship, and art. It has been said that FIRST is "the hardest fun you'll ever have" and that couldn't be more true!

Build Season is the period of time in which we create our robot. It begins in January when the game is released internationally and ends after competition season in March.

Kick-Off is the event where the current year's challenge is released globally. This marks the beginning of Build Season.

We meet at least six times a week during build season. This is necessary due to the short time frame that we have to build our robot.

Of course, school and family come first, but the more time you spend, the more you will get out of it.

We generally meet 1-2 times a week.

Absolutely! Competitions are a huge part of what we do. Visit our "About FIRST" page to see previous games and competitions.

 Yes! We can always use more help on the team!  

 Absolutely not! We need people from all areas of expertise. For instance, mentors are needed for assistance with sponsorship, public relations, art, and business, in addition to engineering.