Enrichment Beyond Classroom
After-school Robotics Club
Competitive Robotics
Camps
FIRST Robotics League Programs
'Varsity Sport of the Mind!'
FIRST® is a global non-profit organization dedicated to preparing young people for the future through hands-on robotics programs designed for every age group. These programs build essential skills, confidence, and resilience in a collaborative and engaging environment.
-
Through project-based learning, FIRST programs immerse students in engineering and coding, fostering creativity and inclusion. Students work together to solve exciting, themed robotics challenges, developing critical problem-solving and teamwork skills along the way.
-
At FIRST®, it’s about more than robots. Guided by the FIRST Core Values, participants learn to innovate, lead, and contribute to a better future, one challenge at a time.
STEMSmarts Robotics – Build, Code & Compete! STEMSmarts students have the exciting opportunity to join world-class robotics programs that spark creativity, teamwork, and innovation!
-
FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Explore (Ages 6-9, Grades 1-3)
-
Introduces coding, design and real-world research, all whilst working as a team and having lots of fun!
-
-
FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge (Ages 9–16, Grades 4–8)
-
Research, code, and engineer a LEGO robot to complete missions
-
Solve real-world problems through hands-on projects
-
Build a strong foundation for STEAM learning & future careers
-
-
FIRST TECH Challenge (FTC) (Ages 15–18, Grades 9–12)
-
Design, build & program advanced robots using Android technology
-
Compete in thrilling, sports-like tournaments
-
Develop critical thinking, teamwork & leadership skills
-
Don’t miss out on these enriching experiences that pave the way for a bright future in STEAM! Join STEMSmarts today!
Our Journey with FIRST Robotics League
About FIRST
“Get Anywhere” with FIRST: Meet Erin
From 2016 to 2020, Tamil and Saru proudly coached three FIRST LEGO League (FLL) teams that achieved remarkable success:
-
Team DNA Hive: Won the Best Presentation Award at the Florida State Championship for their outstanding Innovation Project Presentation.
-
Team WaterWarriors: Secured 1st place in Robot Score in the West Florida Region, achieving one of the top 5 highest scores in the State.
-
Team R.I.S.E: Earned the Directors Choice Award, placed 2nd in the Regional Championship, and won the Core Values Award at the Florida State Championship.
Continuing their involvement, Tamil co-coached a FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) team, IvyWarriors, from 2021 to 2024. The team:
-
Won multiple regional awards.
-
Achieved top robot scores.
-
Earned the prestigious 3rd Place Inspire Award at the FTC State Championship.
Beyond coaching, Saru and Tamil, along with their children, Vishva and Joshua, have been dedicated volunteers at FLL and FTC events since 2016. Their commitment extends to leadership roles, with Saru serving on the West Florida FLL Leadership Team and the Tampa FTC R.O.B.O.T. League Leadership Team.
Their journey with FIRST exemplifies a passion for fostering innovation, teamwork, and excellence in robotics.
FLL Team DNAHive
FLL Team R.I.S.E
FLL Team WaterWarriors
FTC Team IvyWarriors