Osceola, IN, March 11, 2024: FIRST Tech Challenge Team 12014 FireWires, based out of
GEARS, is excited to announce that they have qualified for the FIRST World Championship to be held
on April 17, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
FireWires qualified for the World Championship by winning the robotics game at the Indiana State
Championship which was held at the University of Indianapolis on Saturday, March 9.
Since September 9, 2023, FIRST Tech Challenge Team 12014 FireWires has been working on a robot to
compete in this year’s game, “Centerstage.” Teams were challenged to create a robot that could pick up and
place game elements in a strategic manner. Robots maneuvered through autonomous programming and a
drive controlled tele-operated period in 2 ½ minute matches. FireWires won with an 8-3 record.
FireWires’ rookie season was in 2016 and this is their first invitation to the World Championship since the
team formed. They have competed in other International events including the Maryland Tech Invitational and
the Chicago Robotics Invitational.
The team is currently raising funds for participation expenses. A donation page is available at
www.gears.org.in.
“We are incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to compete at the FIRST World Championship. Thanks
Calum
to our Indiana State Alliance partners Team 3537 The MechaHamsters and Team 11992 Radioactivity.”
“So many of us have been working towards this for 8-9 years now. We are so excited to represent Indiana
Nate
and GEARS at the World Championship along with our friends Team 11329 I.C.E. Robotics from
Bloomington!”
“Our victory at State is a tribute to the work that our team put in this season. The hours and efforts that
Wasi
everyone invested throughout the year came through at this competition.”
FIRST Description
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). The 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 the 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. The
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.
FIRST Tech Challenge Description
It’s way more than building robots. FIRST Tech Challenge teams (up to 10 team members, grades 7-12)
are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an
alliance format.
Guided by adult coaches and mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles,
while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and working as a team.
Teams design and build robots, raise funds, create and market their team brand, and do community
outreach. Participants are eligible to apply for $80M+ in college scholarships.
GEARS Description
GEARS is a community center that offers youth robotics programs for students in grades 4-12. GEARS
was formed in 2015 and recently purchased the old Henderson & Crull Lumber Yard at 200 Lincolnway W in
Osceola. They have been renovating the 7,000 sqft building to better serve students throughout the Michiana
community. GEARS currently has three FIRST Tech Challenge teams and all three of them qualified for the
State Championship. The upcoming World Championship concludes the current robotics season. The next
season begins in August. More information about GEARS can be found at www.gears.org.in.
Please direct any questions to Scott Chase via scott@gears.org.in or 574-286-1576
