Our State

Our team expands our outreach beyond the classroom and into New Jersey.
Pack Expo in Philadelphia, PA
​On March 21, 2022, Team 203 went to the PACK Expo in Philadelphia where companies showcased various forms of machinery and technology used in the packaging and shipping industry. These demonstrations gave students the opportunity to see the latest technologies and broadened their knowledge on this form of engineering, providing them with insight on the world of packing and shipping engineering. At this event, our team also held demonstrations of a robot that was constructed by our new members who were trained during the build season, applying mechanical, programming, and software skills that they had just learned. While we were there, team members spoke to representatives, employees, and CEO's of different companies that were interested in FIRST Robotics to spread the word of FIRST.
DC Conference
In the summer of 2019, Team 203 attended the National Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. Our team worked alongside various other FIRST teams from across the country to advocate for STEAM education and FIRST. In order to create more support for STEM, FIRST believes that educating the figures in government on the importance of STEM and spreading the word of FIRST. This conference also trains students on the proper ways to engage Senators and Members of Congress on your talking points. The main goal is to obtain meaningful relationships with these representatives as you advocate for FIRST and STEM initiatives. FIRST provided a vast amount of mentorship and helpful tips that prepared students for this conference.

​While the team was there, they were trained on how to speak to government representatives and learned the basics of the levels of politics. This conference helped give members self-confidence as they used their public speaking skills in a way they never had the opportunity to do. It was also enlightening for the members who were able to participate as they gained an understanding of the fundamentals of government. STEM education and FIRST are important to each member of our team, and this experience made it possible for the select few to be able to express how FIRST and STEM have changed their lives.

This was an honor for our team as we represented the Mid-Atlantic Region (MAR) and FIRST at this conference. We were able to work alongside teams from around the country which was also another amazing experience as our team made new relationships with people we wouldn't regularly meet.
Rockwell Automation Fair
In 2018, Team 203 was personally asked by FIRST to attend the Rockwell Automation Fair in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At this event, our team members spoke to Rockwell employees and STEAM enthusiasts about the current FRC game and explained to them what it is like to be a part of FIRST Robotics. Additionally, our members were given the opportunity to be emerged in the latest technology being implemented into factories and companies and informed of internships and scholarships that they can take advantage of. Out of the FIRST Robotics Mid-Atlantic region, our team was one of the six chosen teams to participate in the fair.

Our Team Captain Victoria was invited to be interviewed about being a female member on the FIRST Robotics team. To watch the live stream of the interview, click here.
New Jersey School Boards Association Conference
Team 203 was invited to the NJSBA (New Jersey School Board Association) Conference during the fall of 2015 and continues to be an ideal representation of FIRST at the annual event. Being part of the iSTEAM section gave us the opportunity to spread the message of our team, school, and the world of FIRST Robotics. At this conference, our team splits our juniors and seniors over the span of the three day event and talk to school board members and administrators from all over New Jersey, informing them about how the program works and what it is like being a member on a FIRST team. 
Lockheed Martin's Engineers Week Presentation
Starting in 2017, Team 203 began giving annual presentations to middle school students at Lockheed Martin in Moorestown, NJ during Engineers Week. We demonstrate our prototype robot, inspiring students to take part in STEAM and FIRST Robotics. From this experience, our team was able to create a partnership with Lockheed Martin and become one of their sponsored FRC teams able to influence and demonstrate what FIRST Robotics is all about. 
NJ State House CTSO Advocating
In 2018, ​Team 203 was personally asked by FIRST to speak to State Senators and Assembly Members at the NJ State House and advocate for FIRST Robotics to be recognized as a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) so schools can gain the proper funding they need from tax papers and make robotics accessible to all students throughout the State.