In October 2024, the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation approved a grant for $6,000 to support the East Grand Rapids High School robotics program. Colette Kanngiesser, an EGRHS student and team member, applied for last fall’s grant, but the Foundation has been sponsoring the robotics program since it started in 2016.
Here’s the “Robotics Diary” written by Audrey Krajewski, EGRHS student board member and a member of the EGRHS class of ‘25:
EGRSF Student Board Member Audrey Krajewski’s Robotics Diary
My first exposure to STEM was through the Foundation-sponsored Innovation Lab class at the middle school. Mr. Vance encouraged my interest in STEM and introduced me to the middle school’s FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics team. Joining the team sparked a journey of creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving that has profoundly shaped my passions for engineering and leadership.
While involved in FIRST Robotics, I’ve developed a working understanding of Java and Python programming and improved my public speaking, project management, fundraising, and critical thinking skills. I’ve also had hands-on experience in engineering design. FIRST Robotics introduces a new game each season, bringing new challenges in robot design, construction, and programming. Participants become adaptable problem solvers who can collaborate with their teammates and communicate effectively.
My involvement in FIRST Robotics has offered opportunities to engage in STEM programming throughout East Grand Rapids and beyond. I’ve connected with FIRST Robotics at all levels of our school district: FIRST Lego League at Breton Downs, Lakeside, and Wealthy, FIRST Tech Challenge at EGRMS, and EGR Robotics at EGRHS. As a high school student, providing mentorship for the elementary and middle school programs has strengthened my belief in the importance of STEM education.
EGR Robotics prides ourselves on our ability to make connections globally. Over the last three years, I have spearheaded our ‘Excellence in Global Relations’ Initiative, connecting us with 16 FIRST Global teams worldwide, from Iran to China, Chile, Norway, Ukraine, Mexico, and Algeria, to name a few. I’ve become a globally oriented citizen who thrives on finding common ground in the curiosity and creativity of teenagers worldwide who share my passion for STEM. These experiences have taught me that we are much more alike than we are different.
None of this would be possible without the support of the Foundation. In addition to helping fund elementary FIRST Lego League teams and middle school robotics, the Foundation provides the high school robotics program with $6,000 annually so we can pay the entry fees for our regional competitions. This allows us to allocate the rest of our funds to building a competitive robot and fulfilling our mission of inspiring each student to navigate successfully in a global community.
