Robolution Robotics Team

We are Montana Tech’s Upward Bound robotics competition team, Robolution. Recently, at the state meet in Bozeman on January 17,  we earned the INSPIRE award, which is the top honor of all 37 teams competing. The INSPIRE award is given to the team that best embodies the ‘challenge’ of the FIRST Tech Challenge program. The team that receives this award is a strong ambassador for FIRST programs and a role model FIRST team. This team is a top contender for many other judged awards and is a gracious competitor. The INSPIRE Award winner is an inspiration to other teams, on and off the playing field. This team shares their experiences, enthusiasm and knowledge with other team, sponsors, their community, and the Judges.

The win qualifies us to compete at the FIRST Championship Competition in Houston. Taking place April 15th - 18th, the FIRST Championship is the world's largest celebration of STEM for students and brings together tens of thousands of students from around the world - along with educators, industry professionals, sponsors, organizations, and colleges/universities who support them.

Our team is made up of five Upward Bound Anaconda High School students: Caleb Thompson(captain), Liam Barrington, Will Griffis, Jaiden Connors, and Farabeth Barrington; as well as two students from Upward Bound Butte High School: Kaden Dean and Aaliyah Andersch.

Our coach is is Carlton Nelson, a teacher at Anaconda High School, who has spent the last 10 years working for Upward Bound as a summer instructor and now serves as the after-school robotics coach. We are also mentored by two Montana Tech undergraduate students, Justin Bak and Emily Maynard.

Recently we received the following message from Senator Jon Tester, "“I’m downright impressed by what Robolution has accomplished,” said Tester. “What they’re doing is nothing like me tinkering with my tractor out in the field, they’re building complex machines and showing incredible skills in leadership and innovation. These students are the future leaders of Montana, and I’m excited to watch them as they continue to grow and develop their skills.”

We are proud of our team. This is only the second year that Robolution has competed. Last year we finished 36 out of 37 teams and this year we won it all!

We are use to facing and conquering challenges. Now we are asking you to help us with our fundraising challenge ahead.  We estimate a cost of $26,000 for expenses needed to compete at the FIRST Championship Competition in Houston and we are asking for your help in reaching this goal. 

Please consider making a donation today.  Every gift counts and moves us closer to our dream of competing in Houston in April. 

Thank you for your support and please help us spread the word! Share this project on social media, by email and tell your friends!