About us…
The SimgaC@T robotics team was founded in 1995 at Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition. As the oldest consecutively running FRC team in Florida, the SigmaC@T Robotics Team has a rich history built on community, equity, and diversity. With talented students, dedicated mentorship, and engaged business partners, the team has been a pathway for success for almost 30 years.
The SigmaC@T Robotics Team has competed in over sixty FRC regular season and championship events. With more than three hundred student members progressing through the team. With a 100% graduation rate, ninety-five percent of our alums have gone on to colleges and universities while others work in the industry.
In addition to building robots, the team focuses on building dynamic leaders with focuses on fundraising efforts, community service projects, district events, peer mentorships, and the promotion of equitable STEAM education for all.
Our Core Values
● Over Communicate - voice all opinions, concerns, or ideas on matters related to the team in order for improvement to take place
● Demonstrate Persistence - Keep your goal in mind and never stop your course of action, especially in the face of opposition
● Pursue Growth and Learning - Always ask questions. Actively seek out information and resources
● Demonstrate Team and Family Spirit - Be willing to help and accept help from your team members. Know that the team is your family and will always be able to lend a hand
● Build Open and Honest Relationships - Build relationships that allow for open and healthy communication
● Embrace Change - Be receptive and excited to execute different initiative than the current as means to innovate and grow
● Be an Inspiration - Lead by example, don't be afraid to lead others and share your passion, encourage them to find a passion of their own
● Give your 108% - Surpass the limitations you have put on yourself. Ask yourself if you can do better. Never settle
● Be Humble - Have a modest outlook on ones achievements to embrace change
● Be Optimistic - Stay positive and hopeful even in dire situations
Our Dedication to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
As a team, we are committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of what we do. We understand that a diverse and inclusive team brings unique perspectives and experiences to the table, which leads to more creative and innovative solutions. By fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, we believe we can better serve our students and our community.
We recognize that there is still much work to be done to achieve true equity and inclusivity in STEAM, and we are determined to play our part. Our team members come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, and we embrace this diversity as a strength. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, and where their unique contributions are recognized and encouraged.
In addition to our internal efforts, we are also dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the broader STEAM community. This includes advocating for underrepresented groups, supporting organizations that promote diversity and inclusion in the field, and working to remove systemic barriers that prevent individuals from participating in robotics.
We believe that equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential to the success of our team and the future STEAM leaders we build, and we are committed to doing our part to make a positive impact in these areas.
Team Award History
About FIRST….
FIRST's mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a multinational, non-profit organization that aspires to transform our culture, making science, math, engineering, and technology as cool for kids as sports are today. FIRST® was founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway Personal Transporter, and on partnerships with businesses, educational institutions and government. Many Fortune 500 companies provide funding, in-kind donations and volunteers to support the program.
FIRST® offers robotics programs for students of all ages. The FIRST® Robotics Competition encourages kids ages 14-18, sponsored and assisted by local companies and volunteers, to design, assemble, and test a robot capable of performing a specified task in competition with other teams. FIRST® also offers programs for younger ages, such as the FIRST® Tech Challenge, the FIRST® LEGO® League, and the Junior FIRST® LEGO® League.
The key to FIRST‘s® success is the work of thousands of volunteer mentors, professional engineers, teachers, and other adults working with students across the country. In addition to the volunteers and team mentors, FIRST competitions and other events are organized and staffed by many event and committee volunteers. Through these volunteers, FIRST programs have engaged thousands of young people from around the world since the time the organization was founded.