In only their sixth year of competing, the John Jay Senior High School Robotics Team—the Jaybots—earned an invitation to the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship in Houston, Texas from April 16-19, 2025.

The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a worldwide competition in which students design, build, and program robots that complete a variety of complex tasks. Starting in September when this year’s game was announced, the 14 Jaybots—ranging from freshmen to seniors—have tirelessly worked to build their robot and compete in qualifying tournaments. Along the way, they won an Inspire Award, which is given to a team that is a role model for other teams; a Control Award, which is given to a team that demonstrates innovative thinking to solve challenges; and a Think Award, which is given to a team that has creatively overcome engineering obstacles. They have also participated in numerous outreach events in which they share their love of STEM with the community, such as hosting workshops for elementary school students and participating in the Hudson Valley Renegades’ Education Days.

The Jaybots’ performance in their qualifying matches earned them a spot as one of 32 teams to advance to the Excelsior Region Championship Tournament which was held in Utica on March 8-9, 2025. After competing in 14 matches over two days, presenting an engineering portfolio to a panel of judges, and being interviewed by other judges throughout the weekend, the Jaybots were one of three teams named to represent the Excelsior Region in the World Championship. There, 256 teams from more than 30 countries—representing the top 2.5% of all teams worldwide—will compete in a four-day tournament.

Planning and preparing to send the 14-student team, faculty advisors, and chaperones on this trip in less than 6 weeks is a daunting task. Please consider supporting the Jaybots on their incredible journey by donating to the Jaybots Booster Club, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

More information about the Jaybots can be found at: https://www.jaybots.org