What if one program could shape the next generation of engineers, innovators, and leaders? In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of FIRST Robotics through the story of Devika, a high school senior and engineering captain of Team 3506, YETI Robotics.

She shares how a simple invitation to a robotics team in middle school changed her career path, built her confidence, and gave her leadership experience that most students don’t get in a traditional classroom. From overcoming self-doubt to learning how to problem-solve under pressure, Devika’s journey is a testament to the impact of hands-on STEM education.

For companies, this episode is a compelling look at why investing in programs like Queen City Robotics Alliance (QCRA) helps develop the skilled workforce of tomorrow. For parents, it’s an eye-opening conversation about how robotics programs can unlock a child’s potential and set them on a path to success.

Join us as we explore why robotics isn’t just about building robots—it’s about building futures.

In this episode, we talk with Elizabeth and Chris from Society for Information Management (SIM) Charlotte chapter, a professional society of over 5,000 IT leaders. They share with us their passion and enthusiasm for promoting STEM through SIM’s three avenues of outreach: K-12 STEM/STEAM education programs, educational scholarships, and adult training.

The future business community needs an ample supply of talent and SIM is helping individuals acquire the skills they’ll need to succeed. There are lots of different STEM job opportunities besides software developers and coders. All jobs from fast food to technical manufacturing and software development require technology skills.

Elizabeth explains how STEM programs are crucial to the continued growth and advancement of future leaders starting as early as primary school by promoting STEM interest and awareness, especially in girls, and supporting the teaching of critical thinking skills. Chris shares how impacting even just one student’s success contributes to exponential growth in technology, changes our future, our culture and who we will be generations from now.

There is no single path to acquiring a STEM education and SIM is finding ways to generate IT talent by helping disadvantaged groups and non-traditional students gain in-demand technical skills to be successful in an ever changing work environment. From investing in K-12 STEM programs that encourage and support conceptual, creative thinking and intellectual curiosity, to creating a bridge from high school to community college to a four-year STEM degree, to providing adults opportunities for STEM education, SIM is generating IT talent and helping non-traditional students retool and advance their careers.

Join us to learn about the many paths to a STEM education that don’t necessarily require a four-year degree and how you can be successful in a high-demand STEM career.

You can also watch the episode on YouTube here and subscribe YouTube Channel: Joint STEM Initiative.

For more information about Queen City Robotics Alliance, your local FIRST program, click here!

To know more about SIM Charlotte, visit https://chapter.simnet.org/charlotte/home

To know more about Elizabeth, check out her LinkedIn profile

To know more about Chris, check out his LinkedIn profile

Do you know BOSCH, a global Fortune 500 company, has invested in the FIRST Robotics Program for the past 20 years. We know a company like BOSCH wouldn’t invest in something without a good return. So, what is the secret that makes BOSCH continue investing in FIRST Robotics Program and growing more teams in BOSCH communities?

To understand this, I got an opportunity to talk with Susan Tippy to figure out what the secret is. Susan is an engineering manager for BOSCH, also happens to be a female engineer, and has been a long term FIRST volunteer. She also manages the FIRST program for BOSCH globally.

In this episode, you will learn how this investment strengthens the talent pipeline, it is especially important for an engineering firm like BOSCH. Employee engagement is another significant benefit that BOSCH witnesses. Susan talked about how students inspired her and the volunteers. The great return on talent and employee engagement would be a worthy investment for any growth company.

This channel is also available on Apple podcast and Spotify, subscribe via search for “Joint STEM Initiative” or check out via https://stem.buzzsprout.com/

To know more about Susan Tippy, check out her LinkedIn profile @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-tippy-91127a25/

To know more about BOSCH, visit https://www.bosch.us/

To know more about FIRST robotics programs, visit https://www.firstinspires.org/