Huntsville’s all-girl robotics team qualifies for national championship; Needs financial support to get there

The Nerdettes, Huntsville’s all-girl FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics team, has qualified to compete against 160 teams from across the world at the FIRST Tech Robotics National Championship in Houston, Texas, April 20 – 23.

The Nerdettes are made up of 9^th, 10^th and 11^th grade STEM students from Huntsville High School and St. John Paul II Catholic High School. This is their fourth year qualifying for the competition and the only team from Alabama to qualify this year.

Each year, the FIRST Tech Challenge teams are presented with a new theme, a corresponding layout for the robot field and new tasks to complete. Teams can prepare for the competition by coding their robots using a variety of Java-based programming. Each season concludes with regional Championships and two exciting FIRST World Championships.

The girls and their coaches and mentors are currently training at the UAH Innovation to Invention Center ahead of the competition.

While building robots to compete in head-to-head competition around the world is the goal, part of the challenge is also raising funds to buy the parts they need, and to design and market their project just like in any real-life company or organization. They must also partake in community outreach to earn awards and share the idea of FIRST around the world.

The students will need an additional $15,000 and $20,000 in funding to help pay for travel, hotel, uniform, and supply expenses for the entire team to compete in Houston on the largest stage.

“By investing in the Nerdettes, our community can light fires in the hearts of children. The memories they are making will last a lifetime,” said Coach Mark King.

FIRST, which stands for “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology” is an international youth organization focused on engaging young people in mentor-based science, engineering and technology programs and skills that inspire innovation and foster self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

“It is important to the mission of AMIIC to foster passion for STEM in our younger generations,” said AMIIC executive director, John Schmitt. “We are honored to help such a driven team achieve their goals and fuel their innovation. Our team making it to Worlds is a direct reflection on the importance our community places on STEM opportunities.

Donations can be accepted through a Progress Bank account or through GoFundMe found here: Support the Nerdettes Journey to Worlds.