Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

XBOT Robotics is an equal opportunity employer and committed to an environment free of discrimination. We conduct and offer our programs, services and activities to students who live in the underserved neighborhoods of the South Seattle area of King County.  

We recognize that systemic inequity is built into public education, and there is inequitable access to high-quality after-school programming. Our goal is to continuously expand access to inspiring, high-quality STEM experiences that recognize the unique identities and brilliance of every student.  

XBOT Robotics is committed to open participation with our students, adult staff and volunteers without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, physical or mental disability (actual or perceived), medical condition, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law, regulation or ordinance.  XBOT Robotics makes every effort to accommodate individuals in need and to remove barriers in order to allow them to participate fully in our offerings.   

XBOT Robotics embraces an environment where diversity, equity and inclusion are our strengths. We continue to explore and develop strategies to create a more inclusive environment where all are welcome.    

Our Story

In 2000, a group of mentors from Microsoft started FIRST Robotics Competition Team #488, “Team XBOT” working with high school students from nearby Redmond, WA. 

During their first competition season, the team’s leadership observed that students in Redmond had ample access to STEM activities both in school and out, while students in many other Seattle communities didn’t have similar access.

A very deliberate decision was made to redirect subsequent recruitment efforts to students in underserved South Seattle, with specific focus on Franklin High School. Franklin has traditionally high percentages of students of color (90% in 2020-2021), students who qualify for free or reduced lunch (64% in 2020-2021), and students who are from English-language learner households (78% in 2020-2021).

In those early years, it was clear at robotic competitions, especially the FIRST World Championship, that Team XBOT was unique in its diversity.  

Twenty years later our focus on providing STEM education opportunities for students from underserved communities in South Seattle remains unchanged. What has changed is the expanded scope programs we offer.

With support from numerous individuals, corporations, and foundations, XBOT Robotics has expanded from supporting one FRC team to also fully funding two FTC teams and multiple Unified Robotics teams, which pair students with intellectual disabilities with students without. During the 2019-2020 school year XBOT Robotics provided the main logistical, expertise, and volunteer support behind creation of 27 new FLL teams in Title-1 schools funded by the Amazon Future Engineer program. We also provide expertise and financial support to Franklin High School’s MakerSpace and offer after school, Saturday, and summer workshops for students and adults in the community.  

During robotics competition seasons, students on our teams, especially those on our FRC team, work side-by-side with volunteer engineering professionals designing, building, and programming robots.  

To our students, their team becomes more than a club. It means home, their second family, and an opportunity to succeed.  

Our Impact

“XBOT was one of the best parts about high school for me. It gave me a space to meet amazing people (including other girls pursuing similar fields), practice what I enjoyed doing, learn things I would have never learned at school, and simply be myself.”

TINA CAI

“The experience I gained prepared me for college & industry programming. XBOT’s industry connections landed me a meeting with the CEO of Amazon and a robotics coaching job senior year. The skills I learned greatly strengthened my resume for college admissions and job applications. Much of my success and interest in STEM can be attributed to XBOT.”

Winston Bullen

“XBOT made me a better leader. It taught me to take a step back sometimes and make sure that everyone is included. It can be hard but I think it’s required when you want to lead people.”

Kim Pham

Programs

competitive robotics

We field competition teams in FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), and Special Olympics Unified Robotics.

public workshops

We deliver community workshops in 3D Printing, WeDo Robotics, and much more.

affiliate programs

We support the success of underserved students on independent robotics teams by providing training, mentorship, and help with logistics.

Support

XBOT Robotics is a volunteer-driven organization. Whether you’re a student, a parent, an educator or a professional looking for an opportunity to “give back” to a worthy cause, we need people like you to help us.

About

XBOT Robotics was established in 2009 to provide K-12 students of Southeast Seattle with after-school, Saturday, and summer, and Saturday workshops, as well as the opportunity to participate in FIRST robotics teams.