GigaBite Robotics Secures Inspire Award, Fundraises for Canada Event

GigaBite Robotics, a community team based in South Lake Tahoe, California, has launched a fundraising campaign to secure funding for an international competition in Canada following their recent success at the Nevada State Championship. The team, comprised of ten middle and high school students passionate about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), aims to compete in one of the largest events organized by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in June 2026.

Founded in 2021, GigaBite Robotics has participated actively in FIRST events for four seasons. Their dedication and teamwork were recognized when they won the first-place Inspire Award at the recent championship. This award is given to teams that demonstrate exceptional promotion of STEM and outstanding collaboration among members. Last year, GigaBite secured third place for the same honor, marking significant progress in their competitive journey.

Fundraising Efforts for International Competition

As a result of their top-five finish, GigaBite Robotics earned the opportunity to compete at the Premier Event in Canada. The event, according to FIRST, aims to provide a truly international experience that celebrates cultural diversity and collaboration among teams worldwide. To participate, the team needs to raise a total of $1,800 to cover expenses such as flights, accommodation, registration fees, robot parts, and meals during the three-day competition.

Currently, the team has raised $1,330, which accounts for approximately 74% of their fundraising goal. They are employing various strategies to gather support, including reaching out to local sponsors, leveraging social media, and organizing community events and scrimmages. Their fundraising efforts are vital as they do not receive any school funding or designated space, relying solely on the generosity of community supporters.

“As a community team, we don’t receive school funding or space, so we rely entirely on fundraising and the generosity of supporters like you,”

states GigaBite’s GoFundMe page, emphasizing the crucial role of community involvement in their success.

With their sights set on the upcoming international event, GigaBite Robotics continues to inspire both their team members and the local community through their commitment to STEM education and teamwork. Those interested in supporting the team can contribute to their GoFundMe campaign at the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-gigabite-robotics-compete-internationally-25hxj.

The journey of GigaBite Robotics exemplifies the spirit of innovation and determination found in youth-focused STEM programs. As the team prepares for their next challenge, they embody the values of collaboration, perseverance, and community spirit that FIRST promotes.