Previously known under the moniker the iRaiders, Melrose’s Red Hawk Robotics is a free, inclusive team dedicated to nurturing the passion for engineering within young minds. Our true goal is to impress upon as many young minds as possible not only the importance of STEM in our society, but also the concept of gracious professionalism. We make it our mission on the team to recruit as many students and mentors as possible, from a variety of different backgrounds.
Firstly, we have made one of our key initiatives be the inclusion of women on our team. With the team’s faculty advisor being an engineer, she is a role model for both her students and young women pursuing STEM. Furthermore, students of all economic backgrounds are welcomed to this team, as grades 4-12 are fully provided monetarily through fundraisers. This program is aimed towards anyone interested in the STEM fields and is a ton of fun for everyone involved. Don’t worry if you’re a little inexperienced; everyone on the team is friendly and willing to help out.
Another key initiative of the Red Hawks is their contribution to the local community. The team helps inspire and motivate young elementary students in STEM. Thanks to the team’s showcase of STEM throughout the Melrose district, there were a total of 9 First Lego League teams at the start of the 2021 school year. Young Melrose students are now showing an increased interest in STEM. Another contribution of Red Hawk Robotics to their local community has been their eager support for the Melrose Alliance Against Violence. The team participates in the annual MAAV walk and vigil not only to show support but also to spread awareness and educate team members about the issue and how to help others subject to violence.
If you would like to join, please contact iraiders@googlegroups.com or melrosefirstrobotics@gmail.com. In the optional fall pre-season, we typically meet twice a week from 6-8pm. During the build season from January through early April, we usually meet at Melrose High School Monday through Friday from 5:30pm-8:30pm and Saturdays from 9am-1pm.