We're a winner!

# CHECK THIS OUT!

The TechGarage Team Finished 3rd and Received A Grant That Will Be Used To Start & Support Competitive Robotics Teams In At-Risk Communities in Palm Beach County.

## Our Mission

Inspiring the next generation through STEM education and robotics

### Our Mission

The Mission of STEM HQ is to develop self-sustainable models for educational robotics programs that engage young minds in building science, technology, engineering, and math skills, while simultaneously inspiring innovation and creativity. Additionally, to enable students to work collaboratively in a team environment and fostering well-rounded life capabilities, including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

### Robotics League

At the end of each school day, many students are involved with sports-laden extra-curricular activities. Our Robotics League model isn't much different from a sports league. Groups of students create their own or are assigned to teams and are assigned a challenge. Teams then work together to build, program, and strategize their robot to complete the challenge in a head-to-head competition format. This creates excitement, teamwork, and real-world problem solving experience for every participant.

### TechGarage Concept

TechGarage is a concept developed by the minds here at STEM HQ that represents the epitome of a long-term self-sustainable education robotics model. TechGarage would become a centralized robotics workspace. By pooling resources across multiple teams such as lego kits, countless tools, and mentors and experienced robotics students, TechGarage creates an environment where teams share resources, collaborate, and push each other to excel. This shared-space model dramatically reduces costs per student while increasing the quality of the robotics experience.

### At-Risk Student Outreach

TechGarage has addressed the need for increased STEM exposure to at-risk youth and minorities by introducing these students to STEM concepts within their community setting. By partnering with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club and the Sheriff's PAL program, TechGarage brings robotics directly into communities that otherwise would not have access. These programs ignite curiosity, build confidence, and open doors to futures in technology and engineering for students who need it most.

## Programs

Our robotics competitions, hackathons, and summer camps

#### Robot Drone League 2019

All new game for 2019, with a focus on drones going on offense.

#### Robot Drone League 2018

MineField competitive robotics program.

#### Code4Good Hackathon

Won 1st place as the only high school team competing against college and professional teams.

#### eMerge Americas Hackathon

Won the hackathon with SmileMetrics, an innovative facial recognition solution.

#### AI & IoT Hackathon

Placed 2nd with SmartCart, an AI-powered smart shopping experience.

#### Palm Beach Tech Hackathon

VR games to teach science concepts. Won 4th place against experienced teams.

#### FAU Summer Camp 2018

Hands-on robotics and coding summer camp at Florida Atlantic University.

#### FAU Summer Camp 2017

STEM education summer camp partnered with FAU.

#### FAU Summer Camp 2016

Our inaugural summer camp program at Florida Atlantic University.

#### MATE ROV 2018

Underwater robotics competition building remotely operated vehicles.

#### FRC 2019

FIRST Robotics Competition 2019 season team.

## Board Members

The leadership team behind TechGarage and STEM HQ

#### Scooter Willis

Scooter brings years of experience in FIRST robotics and a deep commitment to STEM education. He earned his PhD and has worked at the Avera Cancer Institute, combining his passion for technology with cutting-edge research. A graduate of the University of Florida, Scooter founded STEM HQ to create sustainable robotics programs that reach students in underserved communities. His vision for TechGarage drives the organization forward.

#### Frank Dickinson

Frank Dickinson serves as CTO of AffinityX and is a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). With deep expertise in technology leadership and software engineering, Frank is passionate about mentoring the next generation. His involvement in STEM education and the TechGarage initiative helps bridge the gap between industry expertise and student learning, ensuring programs remain relevant and impactful.

#### Vladimir Safin

Vladimir Safin is a graduate of Yaroslavl State University with a background in Applied Mathematics. His analytical mindset and dedication to education make him an invaluable member of the board. Vladimir is deeply committed to mentoring students, bringing a global perspective to STEM education and helping young people develop the mathematical and computational thinking skills that underpin modern technology.

## Coaches

Dedicated mentors guiding our students to success

#### Tadas Orentas

Tadas is an Electrical Engineering student at Florida Atlantic University. His hands-on expertise in electronics and circuit design brings real-world engineering experience to the team. Tadas works closely with students on robot wiring, sensor integration, and electrical system design, helping them understand the fundamentals of electrical engineering.

#### Dexter Dixon

Dexter Dixon studies Electrical Engineering at Florida Atlantic University and is a founding member of the Drone Robotics club. His expertise in drone technology and autonomous systems brings an exciting aerial dimension to the TechGarage programs. Dexter mentors students in drone building, programming, and the Robot Drone League competitions.

#### Gunnar Bjorkman

Gunnar is a Mechanical Engineering student at Florida Atlantic University. His knowledge of mechanical design, CAD modeling, and fabrication techniques helps students bring their robot designs from concept to reality. Gunnar guides teams through the mechanical engineering process, from initial sketches to fully functional competition robots.

#### Holden Gibler

Holden studies Mechanical Engineering at Florida Atlantic University. With a strong foundation in mechanical systems and manufacturing, Holden helps students understand structural design, material selection, and assembly techniques. His patient coaching style makes complex engineering concepts accessible to students of all experience levels.

## Our Sponsors

Thank you to the organizations that make our programs possible

## Membership

$125 / month

Monthly membership covers all equipment and competition registration fees. Everything your student needs to participate is included.

Members also receive a $125/week discount off summer camp tuition.

Sign Up Now

Questions? Contact us at contact@stemhq.org