About Nova Labs Robotics

Nova Labs Robotics is a part of the Nova Labs MakerSpace community. It was an idea in 2009 by a really cool person with a vision to expand robotics exposure to more youth by way of a formal program of teams. FIRST has always been the foundation of the program then, and today. The full story on the history of Nova Labs Robotics is here: robotics.nova-labs.org/our-story/ The full story on the awesome FIRST (For Inspiration & Recognition of Science & Technology) program is here: www.firstinspires.org/

Along the way, other really cool people joined to nurture and mature the program. They worked tirelessly to establish robotics as a part of the Nova Labs maker vision. This allowed more kids to experience FIRST at the Jr. FLL, FLL and FTC level. Their efforts raised awareness that robotics was not only a program, but an extension of so many other aspects of the MakerSpace - electronics, programming, wood shop, metal shop, fabric arts, arduino, 3D printing, etc. The parents and other family members became aware of the MakerSpace and that generated more involvement. Relationships with school based FIRST teams evolved, further strengthening opportunities for knowledge sharing on all aspects of FIRST team organization, management and operation. In 2016, dedicated space was acquired to house the robotics program - known as the Robot Corral. This includes work space for teams, storage space and a full FLL and FTC fields for practice and experimentation.

With generous support from sponsors, Nova Labs Robotics receives financial support to enable a cost effective model for students to participate in FIRST. These sponsors know the value of supporting STEM activities to engage students - our future workforce. Nova Labs Robotics team members support fundraising efforts to allow the program to continue. Students lead summer robotics camps to generate income and conduct other creative fundraising activities throughout the year.

Teams are supported by volunteer coaches. For the 2017-18 FIRST season, there is 1 FLL team and 4 FTC teams competing with the support of Nova Labs. And, we have a great relationship with school based FIRST teams in and around our area.

The Nova Labs Robotics website is here: robotics.nova-labs.org/

The Nova Labs MakerSpace website is here: www.nova-labs.org/blog/