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Student-run NC Robotics Initiative asks Johnston County board for help to sustain space and expand programs
Summary
Student leaders and adult mentors from FFX Robotics and the NC Robotics Initiative told the board they need funding and near-campus space to sustain teams (FFX Robotics, Chaos Theory, FTC, FLL) and asked the district to consider support for Project Fox and shared facilities.
Student and adult representatives from the NC Robotics Initiative (NCRI) presented to the Johnston County Public Schools board on Jan. 14 seeking district support to sustain and expand their robotics programs.
Rachel Priest, director of operations for FFX Robotics and a representative of the NC Robotics Initiative, described NCRI’s mission: "to inspire tomorrow's innovators through STEAM education and experiences" by operating FIRST programs (FRC, FTC and FLL). Priest said the initiative provides hands-on robotics experiences that teach CAD, engineering, marketing and teamwork to K–12 students.
Student leaders described recent accomplishments and logistical needs. Eli Spottswood, outreach captain for FFX Robotics, said the teams have qualified for state championships multiple times, hosted community STEAM events and expanded student membership. Rebecca King, NCRI director of program management, said the group used temporary space adjacent to the Old North State Food Hall but that the loaned space will no longer be free: "we will need to be paying $10,000 a month to continue staying there," she said, and added that operating a single FRC team costs about $60,000 annually.
Bhakti, identified as president of FFX Robotics, described Project Fox, an assistive robot designed to help students with motor limitations draw shapes and symbols. "We aim to give this robot or at least a version of it to every EC classroom in Johnston County," Bhakti said, asking the board for help connecting with officials and potential funding sources to make the program sustainable.
Presenters said student-written grants cover some costs and that mentors support grant-writing and program supervision. They said meetings typically run Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from about 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., and that NCRI currently supports roughly 50 FRC participants and about 70 total weekly participants when including FTC and FLL teams and mentors.
Board members and attendees asked detailed questions about age ranges for introductory teams, the academic pipeline (Project Lead The Way and school electives), mentor involvement and space size; NCRI presenters said younger learners (approximately grades 3–5) are reached through their Lego Lemurs FLL team and that the group welcomes students from district schools and the broader community.
The presentation was informational; the board did not vote on direct funding during the Jan. 14 meeting. Presenters asked the board to consider site visits and partnerships and said they would continue grant applications and outreach to businesses to cover ongoing operating costs.
