Hotwire Robotics: Building future leaders by building robots

For high school students passionate about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, Hotwire Robotics is the place to be. This award-winning local program brings students from multiple schools together to create one of the coolest projects of their high school careers—a working robot.

Read on to learn how these incredible high schoolers are learning and growing through Hotwire Robotics, the positive impact it has on our community, and why SCTC is proud to be a sponsor of this innovative program.

Students are at the controls

Hotwire Robotics offers a unique opportunity for high school students to design, build, and program robots. But this opportunity comes with challenges and character-building. Students take on the program’s key leadership roles and must make crucial decisions to keep the program running smoothly.

These ambitious students are completely responsible for organizing the robotics program, entering competitions, and securing their own funding. Students learn important communication and management skills—essential for their adult lives and professional careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.

Annual robotics competitions also prepare students for their future career. Through the group effort of building a working robot, students get to learn real-world technical skills from their mentors and practice engineering hands-on.

Working toward a competition also challenges students to solve complex problems and come up with innovative solutions as a team. Because of this, the program helps students develop not only as engineers but as well-rounded individuals with critical thinking and collaboration skills.

Boosting innovation in our community

The impact of Hotwire Robotics extends beyond the program’s participants. The program promotes STEM education and awareness in our community, inspiring more local students and residents to explore these fields.

By hosting recruiting events and demonstrations, the Hotwire Robotics team actively engages with the community to showcase the exciting possibilities within STEM. This outreach fosters a culture of innovation and continuous learning in our local area.

Representing our community at robotics competitions also helps put our local area on the map as a center for excellent STEM education. The Hotwire Robotics team has consistently won competition titles and placed as finalists, showcasing the level of skill students can achieve by participating in the program.

Additionally, Hotwire Robotics collaborates with local businesses and organizations to form valuable partnerships. These collaborations provide students with mentorship opportunities, access to resources, and real-world insights.

SCTC: A sponsor with a shared passion

Back in 2013, a group of Hotwire Robotics students approached SCTC about sponsoring their program. The go-getting high schoolers presented their pitch to SCTC’s CEO and Board of Directors. Impressed with the dedication and professionalism the students displayed, SCTC rewarded Hotwire Robotics with a donation of $1,000.

Now in 2024, SCTC’s continued sponsorship of the program over the years totals up to a whopping $63,000. This includes matching funds from CoBank’s Sharing Success initiative, which SCTC applies for every year to maximize funding for the program. Earlier this year in June, SCTC proudly presented a $5,000 check to Hotwire Robotics.

SCTC’s commitment to Hotwire Robotics goes beyond financial support. The robotics team’s building is now equipped with free high-speed internet from SCTC.

SCTC’s CEO, Erik Hoefer, says, “We couldn’t be prouder to sponsor Hotwire Robotics. Supporting these impressive students ignites our shared passion for technology and reminds us why we do the work we do. We’d love to see these students come back to the Stayton area as adults and put their innovative skills to good use in our community. Maybe even right here at SCTC.”

Empowering students and our community

The positive impact of Hotwire Robotics resonates through the young professionals in the program, as well as our local community. With the support of SCTC, the program will continue to empower our local high school students through hands-on STEM education and personal development.

By fostering the skills students need for success today, SCTC hopes these future leaders will return to their roots someday and bring valuable experience back to our community.

To learn more about Hotwire Robotics and get involved, visit hotwirerobotics.com.