Chatham High School Robotics Team

Contributed by Emily Lamb, Chatham Robotics Team

The Chatham High School Robotics program is now entering its sixth season as a FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) team. The program operates with two teams, 9853 (Chatham Cougars) and 11248 (//Cougars), with members from all grades and ability levels.

FTC brings together 9th-12th graders who have a passion for engineering and technology. The competition requires teams to design and construct robots that complete in challenges that vary from year to year and are determined by FTC game designers. For example, in last year’s game, teams were tasked with depositing cubes and wiffle balls into the proper space.

Beyond the technical aspect, the program also requires teams to learn hands-on lessons regarding how to connect with our communities, through mentorship, education, and sponsorship.

Under the leadership of our Robotics Coach Julie Ryan, the program has had incredible success since its formation in 2015.

Both teams advanced to the State Championship where we competed against the top 30% of the teams in New Jersey. One team advanced past this championship as a high-level award winner to the Eastern Super Regional Championship in Scranton, PA, where we competed against top 7% of the teams from Maine to West Virginia.

For the past two years, CHS teams advanced to the World Championship in Detroit, MI. Only 2% of teams make it to this high level of competition! At all competitions, both teams won various awards related to excellence in engineering, programming and community involvement. Additionally, Coach Julie Ryan was recognized for her commitment to the success of both teams. They have experienced exponential growth due to their success, nearly quadrupling in size since their first season, and have achieved gender parity.

As a component of their work, team members are tasked with finding mentors and sponsors from the community to support the team throughout the season. If you work in any STEM field (such as engineering or computer science) and would be interested in video chatting or coming into our classroom to speak with the teams about your experience, we would love to connect with the Chatham community! These meetings will be held throughout the school year. If you are interested, please email Emily Lamb at emilylamb@chatham-nj.orgor Coach Julie Ryan at jryan@chatham-nj.org.