Statewide Robotics Student Board Announced

FIRST Indiana Robotics (FIN) is thrilled to announce the selection of the new Student Board of Directors (SBoD) for the 2024-2025 school year. Composed of twenty-one exceptional high school students from grades 10 through 12, this group will serve as the voice of youth robotics across Indiana, to move fresh perspectives and innovative ideas forward.

Meet the 2024-2025 Student Board of Directors

The newly selected members represent the best and brightest from the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) and the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) programs. Students on the SBoD have demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication, and passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and embody the core values of FIRST: Discovery, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Fun.

To see pictures of the student board and learn more about the visit our website https://www.firstindianarobotics.org/student-board/ 

Expectations and Responsibilities

Members of the SBoD are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct and embrace the ethos of Gracious Professionalism® in all their interactions. They will lead impact projects, organize state-wide monthly meetings, and participate in numerous events throughout the year, including competitions, ecosystem building, and community outreach activities.

“Joining the executive board has allowed me to increase the impact I make during my remaining time in high school. I'm looking forward to running amazing initiatives with the other board members!”  – Stephen Onochie, Student Board Secretary

SBoD members will play a crucial role in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the FIRST Robotics community, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have access to opportunities for STEM educational experiences. They will lead initiatives such as the Statehouse Advocacy Day, professional conferences, and local community engagements; representing FIN and advocating for the growth and impact of FIRST Robotics in Indiana.

Commitment to Excellence

“We are incredibly proud of these students and the work they have accomplished thus far in their FIRST careers,” said Chris Osborne, Vice President of FIRST Indiana Robotics. “Their commitment to excellence, community service, and leadership is truly inspiring. As members of the Student Board of Directors, they will not only give a voice to FIRST teams across Indiana, but also help shape the future of our programs. We are excited to support and collaborate with them in the coming year.”

Looking Ahead

The 2024-2025 SBoD members will kick off their term with a Student Board Retreat and Orientation, where they will receive training and set goals for the year. They will also participate in professional conferences, local outreach activities, and lead listening sessions at robotics events with their peers.

“Participating on the Executive Board has given me the opportunity to lead a team of bright, ambitious, and intelligent individuals! I'm excited to see what the SBoD will do and the impacts I can make as a leader for the team, such as encouraging the voices of the students on the Board, and pushing their passions forward, growing our strengths and skill sets, and all the while advocating for a program we love.”  - Anastasia Savic, Student Board President

Join Us in Congratulating the New SBoD Members

FIRST Indiana Robotics invites media, schools, community groups, local government offices, and robotics teams throughout the state to join us in congratulating these outstanding students on their selection, and to support them in their endeavors throughout the year. Their dedication and leadership will undoubtedly make a significant impact on youth robotics in Indiana.

For more information about FIRST Indiana Robotics and the Student Board of Directors, please visit firstindianarobotics.org or contact Chris Osborne at [email protected].

About FIRST Indiana Robotics

FIRST Indiana Robotics is dedicated to inspiring young people to become leaders and innovators in science and technology. Through engaging mentor-based programs, students are empowered to develop critical skills and pursue exciting STEM careers. Our mission is to ensure every young person in Indiana has the opportunity to participate in FIRST programs and to build a brighter future through STEM education.

About FIRST

Founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen, FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global nonprofit (501(c)(3)) organization that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4-18 (PreK-12). Our programs are suitable for schools or structured afterschool activities and receive support from a vast network of volunteers, educators, and sponsor/donors, including over 200 Fortune 500 companies.

Because our programs are More Than Robots®, FIRST participants are guided by a signature set of Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements. Our thrilling, sports-like challenges build their self-confidence and collaborative problem-solving skills and have a proven and lasting impact on STEM learning and interest. Our participants and alumni gain access to education and career discovery opportunities, connections to exclusive scholarships and employers, and a place in the FIRST community for life.