Friends of Miami Beach Bots Inc

WHO WE ARE

Miami Beach Bots (FRC Team 7652) is a small (but mighty!) public school-based robotics team that brings together students who are passionate about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM). Founded in 2019, our team is made up of girls and boys driven by a curiosity for engineering and a love of tinkering who are poised to become the next generation of leaders and innovators. We are committed to encouraging more students to enjoy STEAM activities, no matter their background or experience level.

Our team is made up of 35 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders who attend Miami Beach Senior High. We come from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. Some of our families originally came from Cuba, Spain, Bolivia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Argentina. All of us are in Honors or AP classes.

WHAT WE DO

Each year we participate in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), which empowers students across the world in STEAM through hands-on work building a 113 lb. robot to complete outlined tasks at events.

Our team was founded just five years ago by four freshmen with the help of two mentors. Since our creation, we’ve participated in FRC for every eligible year. In the 2023 season, we managed to make it to the finals of our local regional event despite facing a issues with a lack of members and funding. Last year, we were able to make it to the semi finals on top of growing and training quite a few new team members. We were even praised by other teams on our ability to gather information and create strategies! 

Outside of competitions, we participate in community outreach events to promote interest in STEAM. Last year, we demoed our robot, Marvin, at the Miami Maker Faire. During lunch, we drive the robot around and allow other students to see what controlling a robot feels like. We’ve also visited neighboring middle schools, such as Nautilus and Biscayne, to mentor students in STEAM programs. During the pandemic, we 3D printed and distributed face masks and shield holders to the community. Currently, we are running a toy drive in which we design and print toys for kids in need for the Christmas season. These projects, among others, are what we do to improve our community.

STUDENT IMPACT

"My name is Nathan Nguyen. I am a sophomore and the team historian. Since I’ve joined, I’ve gained a greater interest in electronic engineering as well as broadened the career paths I’d like to go down. I also greatly enjoy the environment created by the team’s collaboration and resilience. I’m excited to see what else being a part of this team for the next few years will lead me to discover."

WHAT YOUR DONATION SUPPORTS 

The robotics competition is expensive. Our team has so much potential, but, unfortunately, not as many resources. Each year we spend many, many hours after school working together to build a robot, but are only able to afford to compete at one local competition. 

Miami Beach Senior High is an economically diverse school. It is an important team value that all students have equal access to explore their interest in engineering. No student is asked to contribute more than $25 per school year. We make up the difference through grants and generous donations like yours. 

Since the summer we have been working hard to raise money to be able to build a robot and compete in the South Florida Regionals in Coral Gables in the spring. Friends of Miami Beach Bots is a parent-run, all volunteer organization. 100% of donations will be used to fund parts, tools, transportation, and food during the spring build season, and supplies to teach other students about STEAM in the pre- and post-season.