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Joint STEM Initiative

Produced by QCRA(Queen City Robotics Alliance). This podcast is to facilitate communication between businesses, schools, government, professional societies, faith-based institutions, and other community service organizations to promote career readiness and enhance upward economic mobility. We also work closely with the STEM roundtable group in Charlotte to promote awareness of education supporting programs featured by area businesses, schools, government, professional societies, faith-based institutions, and other community service organizations.You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch the podcast with notes and videos.

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Joint STEM Initiative

What can a robotics competition program teach the next gen?

March 17, 2025 • Kaiwen Cheng

What if one program could shape the next generation of engineers, innovators, and leaders? In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of FIRST Robotics through the story of Devika, a high school senior and engineering captain of Team 3506, YETI Robotics.

She shares how a simple invitation to a robotics team in middle school changed her career path, built her confidence, and gave her leadership experience that most students don’t get in a traditional classroom. From overcoming self-doubt to learning how to problem-solve under pressure, Devika’s journey is a testament to the impact of hands-on STEM education.

For companies, this episode is a compelling look at why investing in programs like Queen City Robotics Alliance (QCRA) helps develop the skilled workforce of tomorrow. For parents, it’s an eye-opening conversation about how robotics programs can unlock a child’s potential and set them on a path to success.

Join us as we explore why robotics isn’t just about building robots—it’s about building futures.