2772J, or “Think Fast”, is an all-female VEX Robotics Competitions organization built off of the struggles that girls and non-binary individuals face in the STEM field.
What is our goal
Our goal is to build a safe, non-toxic environment for all genders to positively compete in VEX Robotics. We have seen the mistakes of our compatriots in our area, as many VEX Robotics teams around us have been turned over to manipulation, corruption, and toxicity. To avoid this, we built a driven, dedicated community set out to win, conquer, and grow without pushing each other down. We are inclusive, safe, and positive in the face of challenges and competition. We build each other up instead of turning a robotics competition into an attitude competition. We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind, and we are proud of the values. We hope to grow in the future, but our small team will build itself because of our individually suppressed skills and potential.
how do we support our organization?
Since we teach how to build competition robots for VEX tournaments, we have no way to earn a profit. All of our money for tools, metal, screws, computer systems, and other essential materials, as well as competition and travel fees, comes from your support. By donating or sponsoring, you can help lead a more positive and inclusive future.
why you should donate
Everyday, girls around the STEM field face challenges and prejudice from those around them. Although all of us on our team know this experience, we are not the only ones. Therefore, it is evident that we need to encourage females to pursue STEM careers and to fight against the obstacles that hold us back. We can only do this with your help. By donating, you can show your support for the female community and help to combat sexism and prejudice in the STEM field.
why you should sponsor us
Girls across the workforce face prejudice and discrimination in their environment, but this is most evident in the STEM field. By sponsoring, you can help combat sexism and prejudice in the STEM field. You will receive free promotion for your product, service, and/or company. In VEX tournaments, tens if not hundreds of parents will know your company and how you supported female inclusivity in the STEM field. Instead of hiding behind PR statements that current events are now exposing, you can wipe your company’s slate clean of any public manipulation by funding a legitimate, competitive team. Since we are a skilled team, your company’s name will be featured across the state, country, and maybe even the world. All in all, it is in your company’s best interest to sponsor our team, and we would certainly appreciate any support.
why did we start this organization?
We started this organization from a great need of equality and inclusivity in STEM learning. The robotics teams in our area have shown to be less than capable at maintaining gender equality, inclusivity, and positivity in their teams. Promotions and responsibilities were dealt out to those with skill or family connections, not those with potential and dedication. Eventually, the robotics teams in our area became so detrimental to our mental health that we decided to start our own. We took the mistakes of others and we used it as a framework for what to avoid when making our team. “Think Fast” is built on a foundation of positivity and inclusivity, not toxicity and inequality. Together, we hope to build a better future for all of us and an inspiration for those discouraged everywhere, no matter the stereotypes around their gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disabilities.
what is vex robotics?
VEX Robotics is a competitive platform that encourages STEM growth in the future generation, us. VEX Robotics Competitions are worldwide competitions taking place between student teams where each team builds a robot that works to achieve its goal of winning the most points during a predetermined competition.
how does a vex competition work?
First, a VEX team must pay the required competition participation fee (which is generously covered with your support). In these competitions, student teams are given a challenge in which they must design, build, program, and drive a robot to complete the challenge. Graphical software is used to program the robot. There are two parts to competitions. The first part is the teamwork challenge, in which an alliance works together to win matches. The second part is robot skills, in which a robot tries to score as many points as possible.
how do we encourage positivity in a non-toxic ENVIRONMENT?
We can encourage positivity in a non-toxic environment by making sure all of our members feel included and safe. By making communication clear to effectively resolve issues within our team, we can reduce misunderstanding between our members. Since our team is relatively small, there are not many levels of power, thus reducing toxicity between members looking to grow our team.
how does positivity and competition coexist?
Our values are to create a positive environment for our members to compete. It sounds like an oxymoronic goal, but in an educational environment, there is a huge difference between a competitive and a toxic environment. Toxic environments inject negativity and discouragement into participants, which we aim to avoid. Instead, we want to create a positive, competitive environment where each member can grow their skills without implying that each member does not have the potential to become greater. We want to build each other up through competition, not tear each other down. In short, we hope to positively build and compete together, not invalidate, and discourage others.
What is stem education and why is it important?
STEM combines science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This education program helps students gain essential skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. STEM education also gives students the opportunity to work with others and develop teamwork skills. STEM education work is hands-on and collaborative. STEM fields play a key role in the sustained growth of the U.S. economy, thus it is imperative to spread STEM education everywhere.
What is the Apprenticeship Program?
We will be running an apprenticeship program for girls 12+ who are interested in robotics but do not know if it is their passion. Our apprenticeship program hopes to help young girls get excited about robotics or figure out if it is not their cup of tea. Apprentices will have the option to attend any of our team meetings. They will get information regarding meeting times and location via a mailing list. Apprentices will be able to watch our work, help us out, learn through experience and ask questions. Apprentices may also be able to attend tournaments based off of their progress and situation. There are no technical nor financial requirements from apprentices.