Chairman's Award Team 3015 Print Close

2016 Team 3015

Team Number

3015

Team Name, Corporate/University Sponsors

Xerox Corporation / United Technologies / Harris / Baxter & Spencerport High School

Briefly describe the impact of the FIRST program on team participants with special emphasis on the 2015/2016year and the preceding two to five years

Being a part of 3015 allows students to explore potential STEM careers with the help of mentors in the field. We worktogether, challenge ourselves and inspire others. Our students experience the joy of giving through outreach andteaching events, igniting their desire to stay involved. Our progression of programs allows students to participate formany years. Students have been granted internships through our sponsors and college scholarships, including FIRSTScholarships totaling $684,000.

Describe the impact of the FIRST program on your community with special emphasis on the 2015/2016 year andthe preceding two to five years

3015 has cornerstone events that we have been a part of for years: Relay for Life, teaching STEM to children, DreamsFrom Drake, Special Olympics and Operation Holiday Cheer. These focus on our main initiatives of spreading FIRST,increasing STEM, and helping others. We continue to add partnerships such as Golisano Children's Hospital, Chalkthe Walks, Ella's Extravaganza, Boy Scouts, Red Wings Game, Fireman's Parades, Day of Caring, Guardian AngelsFood Drive and a Winter Clothing Drive.

Team's innovative or creative method to spread the FIRST message

We work with administrators and teachers to create lessons aligning to core curriculum. As members teach elementarystudents using handson activities and problembased learning, we are role models, inspiring student interests inSTEM and robotics. Our FIRST teams share experiences at our annual Robopalooza, a community awareness nightwith an FRC full field and interactive stations. We hold summer camps, teaching design, programming, electrical andmechanical aspects of robotics to students.

Describe examples of how your team members act as role models and inspire other FIRST team members toemulate

Our Ranger Pride shows through in all we do. Whether machining parts for others, working on the robot, helping teamsin the pits, volunteering at community outreach or teaching STEM lessons, our leadership is evident. Cabinet and subteam leaders ensure integration, time management and communication. Our passion is contagious; each time 3015shares our story (at board meetings, TV segments, or sponsor presentations) more students want to join the team!

Describe the team's initiatives to help start or form other FRC teams

This year we introduced Geneva High School students and parents to FRC, having them participate in our Saturdaybuild sessions. We are sharing how we have involved our district to help them engage and gain support of theiradministration. We plan to write their NASA grant, as well as loan them our practice robot so they can compete in theRaChaCha Ruckus. Last year we wrote team 5254's NASA grant. We have also written the NASA grant for NorthstarChristian Academy.

Describe the team's initiatives to help start or form other FIRST teams (including Jr.FLL, FLL, & FTC)

The excitement our FRC team ignited has paired with the strong foundation we built with mentors and sponsors. Thiscreated a vision for a progression of FIRST programs in the Spencerport School District. At STEM lessons and roboticscamps students expressed interest in joining FIRST teams. Presenting to the school board resulted in approval to start18 Jr.FLL, 12 FLL, and 2 FTC teams over the next several years. We have now started 1 FTC and 5 FLL teams and willbegin Jr. FLL teams this fall.

Describe the team's initiatives on assisting other FIRST teams (including Jr.FLL, FLL, FTC, & FRC) with progressingthrough the FIRST program

3015 actively works to engage teams. By hosting FTC and FRC kickoffs, we created partnerships with teams throughworkshops, Chairman's Chat and correspondences. Teams ask for advice, to machine their parts, and discuss

marketing strategies. We invite teams to our practice field, building the spirit of coopertition. We were chosen to Betatest, sharing what we learned at multiple events. A lead mentor hosts "FIRST Updates Now", a weekly web show aboutstrategies, regionals and FIRST updates.

Describe how your team works with other FIRST teams to serve as mentors to younger or less experienced FIRSTteams (includes Jr.FLL, FLL, FTC, & FRC teams)

At Kickoff we completed a rookie build with the Genesee Valley team. Our team members, alumni and mentors trainedas the build occurred, ending the day with a working robot. Through this experience we developed a relationship whichhas led to regular correspondence. Our Chairman's Chat initiative has given us the opportunity to share documentsand advice with other FRC teams. 3015 members mentor the FTC and 5 FLL teams we started, forming a culture ofRanger Robotics throughout our program.

Describe your Corporate/University Sponsors

United Technologies creates a range of high technology products for aerospace and building industries. HarrisCorporation provides advanced technologybased solutions to solve government and commercial challenges. Xeroxmanufactures and sells office equipment and provides business services, document management, and workflowsolutions. Baxter International, Inc. sells hospital products, providing access to health in emerging and developedcountries.

Describe the strength of your partnership with your sponsors with special emphasis on the 2015/2016 year and thepreceding two to five years

We work to create relationships with our sponsors. Through weekly videoconferences with Dr. Schropfer, UTC sponsor,our team developed a successful integration plan for build season. Getinge and Kline both donate equipment andmaterials. We are arranging a demo at Harris for Engineering Week. Our sponsors know the capabilities of ourstudents; Xerox and Harris awarded 4 internships to date. We send our sponsors updates and photos, inviting them toevents. Ankom guest spoke at FRC kickoff.

Describe how your team would explain what FIRST is to someone who has never heard of it

FIRST is the "real deal" an opportunity to be an engineer, designing and creating a robot to play a coopertition game.Engineering engagement against industrytype deadlines brings students as close to the professional world aspossible. While working hard, students develop a passion they can't help but share. Community outreach becomesnatural. The excitement of being part of a team, while applying classroom and industry knowledge, provides lessonsand amazing memories.

Briefly describe other matters of interest to the FIRST judges, if any

In working to expand our impact, we have reached out to government. Peter Lawrence, New York State Assemblymanfor the 134th district, has been very receptive and supportive. Lawrence has met with us to discuss STEM initiatives,potential outreach opportunities, and to learn more about FIRST. He has been an incredible support, cheering us on atFinger Lakes Regional and as a guest speaker at FRC kickoff. He appreciates us teaching younger students, grantingus $2500 towards STEM initiatives.

Team Captain/Student Representative that has doublechecked this submission.

Mia Krolczyk

Essay

All aboard! The 3015 Express first rolled out of the station in 2009. Since then our train has added cars and laid track tonew destinations. Hop on board and see what FIRST team 3015 is all about! With the train in home station ready todepart, the platform fills with parents and the Spencerport community. They play an important role in our success andsupport the team as our train moves onward. A board of education member says, "Robotics is one of our most belovedprograms and has brought amazing opportunities to students and enriches the curriculum. It's simply inspiring." Ateacher shares the benefits of robotics: "I love knowing that this team is helping them become more creative."Our goal is to create a cohesive robotics culture. The wheels of our train are students progressing through from Jr. FLLup to FRC. One parent commented, "These programs have made me a believer in FIRST. Kids learn to communicateand work with others. The transformation from beginning to end is incredible." Over the past 2 years our programexpanded to 5 FLL, 1 FTC, and 1 FRC team. Our Superintendent was excited to have us present our success and ourfuture plans to the school board. They approved a proposal to include 18 Jr. FLL, 12 FLL, 2 FTC teams and our FRCteam. He stated, "It is the best authentic STEM opportunity that we provide to our students."Team 3015 has a strong engine consisting of a 5student cabinet and 3 committed teachers. They work to increaseintegration, streamline efficiency and act as role models. 2 of the 3 teachers are Woodie Flowers Award winners. Thesupport they provide is one of the main reasons our team runs smoothly.74 team members make up the evergrowing passenger car of this train. Over 20% is female. At the 2014 FRC WorldChampionship, our female students had a conversation with Dean Kamen about recruiting women into FIRST

programs. After he solicited our input, we returned home eager to provide opportunities for girls to be excited aboutrobotics. At a STEM lesson we were teaching, a young girl said, "The boys in my class think that only they can docertain things. On TV there are always boy scientists, but when 3015 comes, there are lots of girl scientists, and Ialways want to work with them. I can't wait to be a part of Robotics!" Even though we all have different perspectives, weare seen together wearing our cowboy hats and bandanas, showing our Ranger Pride.Experienced and knowledgeable alumni fill our other passenger car. One alumni shares, "Without being on 3015, Iwouldn't have had the opportunity to start my own Robotics/STEM company. The skills I learned there made me workhard and let me make the connections I did. I am so thankful to 3015 for getting me started It is where my passion inSTEM and robotics began!" 3015 encourages students to apply for FIRST scholarships, receiving $684,000 to date.Last year 100% of our graduates went on to college. 85% of them continued onto STEM futures.Sponsors and government assistance fill our fuel car. Having 20+ sponsors in the past 5 years allows us to improverobot design/construction, communication, increase our community involvement and further our knowledge ofengineering. Videoconferences with an engineer from UTC allowed the integration team to monitor, adjust andstreamline our schedule. We developed skills in Excel and project management through an integration plan. As wegained support from our local government, we connected with Assemblyman Peter Lawrence who is helping us spreadour STEM initiatives. He shares, "I am proud to represent a district where STEM is a priority. The dedication frommentors, teachers and 3015 members is unparalleled. FIRST is about more than building robots. It's about buildingcharacter, and that's what Team 3015 is all about."After the fuel car is a row of boxcars that show our passion for spreading FIRST and STEM. Our FIRST boxcarshowcases how we spread the message of FIRST. For the past 2 years we ran an FTC kickoff, with breakout sessions.This year we took it to a new level and hosted the Western NY FRC kickoff at Spencerport High School (SHS). Thisevent brought the energy of 35 teams and 800 participants to a new high. The planning committee, which included3015 mentors and parents, engaged participants with a control systems workshop, Chairman's Chat, speakers, games,raffles and a rookie build.Our community outreach boxcar displays what 3015 does to inspire and help our community. This year we had our 1stannual Robopalooza at SHS, with a full field and interactive stations. Hundreds of people came, drove the robots,enjoyed a family night out, learned and were inspired. Our FIRST teams spread their passion to the community andfuture members of our program. A community member shared, "I had no idea the robotics team was so large; everymember was anxious to share they have so much passion for what they are doing!"3015 has established a partnership with Relay for Life, donating $5000 over 5 years to the American Cancer Society. Alead mentor's battle with cancer increased our desire to help. As a result of our team's efforts, we were asked to leadSurvivor laps. We were honored to share our robot and desire to help others. An event coordinator stated, "People lovewhen the 3015 leads our event around the track. Everyone asks if they're coming each year."Dreams from Drake unites kids who have lost a family member and gives them social support. At their annualfundraiser, we provided over 70 volunteers and helped raise $10,000. Drake's mom said, "I have seen the positiveimpact of 3015. They introduced and demoed robotics to over 1000 attendees and volunteered time and energy at theevent to ensure its success. Their dedication to the wellbeing and improvement of the community is evident." We metDrake's brother when he was in 3rd grade and completely in awe of our robot. Now in 5th grade, he is part of our FLLteam and loves when we teach STEM to his class.One of the most heartfelt events was visiting Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong. Students visited a pediatric unitand let kids drive the robot. The kids were excited to learn, but we learned more about strength, courage, and hope.Each child reminded us that life is precious and it is easy to spread joy. Without robotics, this exchange of inspirationwouldn't have occurred.

Essay page 2

During Spencerport's first Chalk the Walks, 3015 gathered to write inspiring quotes on village sidewalks. This teambuilding event allowed us to work together before build season began. One parent said, "It blew me away to see whatthese minds can come up with. I took pictures because I never want to forget their thoughts and quotes."SHS was chosen for a TV news segment, Friday Morning Lights, and 3015 received a highlight segment alongsideathletic programs. Team members were interviewed, the robot shot a Frisbee into the basketball hoop, and the crowdwent wild. The D&C Newspaper also met with us, publishing an article commending our efforts, contributions, andinspiration. 3015 was featured in The Cornerstone, Suburban News, and Health Magazine. Ranger Robotics isbecoming a household name!In our STEM boxcar, we are excited to share our passion for STEM as we teach young students. We meet with teachersto create lessons that align with the curriculum. 3015 goes out to the elementary schools and teaches handson STEMlessons. Assistant Superintendent shares, "Members of 3015 team have developed and implemented problembasedlearning activities in all 4 elementary schools. These efforts serve to offer thought provoking learning opportunities forthese students and reinforce realworld connections to STEM. A benefit is having our SHS students serve as experts inthis work as they own the direction of the learning and solidify their understanding as the teacher. These authenticlearning opportunities need to be embraced and replicated, as we prepare students for college and career readiness."Our team advances our knowledge in CAD and systems review during training sessions known as Ranger Reboot. Weran 2 robotics camps which taught kids about programming and mechanical techniques. A member shares, "I learnsomething every day on 3015. I gain real experience from engineers, this team is a family. I love being a part of it!"On our journey, 3015 frequently stops at new train stations. At each stop, new teams looking for help and guidancejump on board. We currently mentor team 5947 with regular correspondence. At Kickoff, they spent the day with us

doing a rookie build, leaving with a working robot. We started a team at Northstar Christian Academy by writing aFIRST grant, and we continue to start teams, including one in Geneva. They have attended our Saturday build sessionsto learn about robotics and we will submit a NASA grant for their FIRST registration.Our 22 mentors are the tracks our train needs. Their hard work and dedication keeps the team from derailing. Thesementors volunteer their time each meeting, and volunteer at FIRST events. They are found helping with pit admin, FTCdemos, field reset, robot inspection and game announcing. One of our mentors has helped us run a full practice fieldfor the past 2 years. It is open to teams in the Greater Rochester Area and gives us the opportunity to improve andassist other teams. Our head mentor plays a vital role in NY FIRST, Finger Lakes Regional Committee and theRachacha Ruckus. Another head mentor runs the weekly FIRST Updates Now webcast, assisting others with strategy,updates and competition results.As people sit at a railroad crossing, watching our train pass, they are in awe. Each car showcases our passion forSTEM and FIRST. When they see these cars fly by, they realize what 3015 is and want to join us on our journey toinspire. A journalist shares, "If I could go back in time, I'd go to SHS to be part of their amazing FIRST robotics program!"All aboard!

2016 Team 3015

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2016 Team 3015

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2016 Team 3015

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2016 Team 3015

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