NASA Empowers Future Innovators at 2024 Aerospace Valley Robotics Competition

NASA Supports Next Generation of Innovators Through Robotics and Mentorship

When the next generation of engineers and innovators comes together to solve complex challenges, the results are nothing short of remarkable. This year’s Aerospace Valley Regional FIRST Robotics Competition, held at East High School in Lancaster, California, brought together hundreds of talented students from around the globe for three days of hands-on learning, creativity, and competition. With strong support from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center, the event marked a milestone in building pathways for future leaders in science and technology.

Launching Innovation Through Robotics

Now in its sixth year, the Aerospace Valley Regional has grown into a cornerstone event for youth robotics, thanks in large part to NASA’s Robotics Alliance Project, which has helped expand robotics education programs across the U.S. NASA Armstrong directly supports five local teams and provides technical mentorship and logistical support.

“It’s more than just a game – it’s a launchpad for future innovators,” said David Voracek, chief technologist at NASA Armstrong and a dedicated volunteer for two decades. In addition to serving as the event’s logistics manager, Voracek emphasized how these competitions are critical in shaping young minds and preparing them for real-world careers in STEM.

NASA’s Deep Engagement on the Ground and in the Sky

The event kicked off in dramatic fashion with a flyover by a NASA Armstrong F/A-18, piloted by research test pilots Nils Larson and James Less, setting the tone for an exciting weekend of innovation and teamwork.

NASA Armstrong center director Brad Flick toured the venue, spoke with students, and reinforced the agency’s long-standing commitment to education and youth mentorship. NASA volunteers filled crucial roles as judges, scorers, and machinists, ensuring that the event ran smoothly and efficiently.

Among those volunteers was Jose Vasquez, an engineering technician from NASA Armstrong’s fabrication lab, who worked in the event’s mobile machine shop. “Almost everything we do needs to get done in minutes,” Vasquez said. His team completed 79 fabrication and repair jobs, helping students keep their robots in peak performance.

More Than Robots: Building Skills and Confidence

The competition offered more than just technical challenges. Students engaged with NASA professionals and other industry mentors, gaining valuable insights into future careers in aerospace, engineering, and technology. These experiences foster not just technical knowledge, but also resilience, confidence, and real-world problem-solving abilities.

“They don’t just build robots; they build confidence, resilience, and real-world skills,” said Voracek. “Alongside mentors who inspire them and volunteers who make it all possible, these students are gaining the tools to lead in tomorrow’s technological landscape.”

Investing in the Future of STEM

Through the Robotics Alliance Project, NASA continues to provide grants and support to high school robotics teams nationwide, helping students access the resources and guidance they need to thrive. Events like the Aerospace Valley Regional serve as both a celebration of innovation and a training ground for the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers.

As student robots battled it out in Lancaster, what stood out most wasn’t the competition—it was the community of support and inspiration built around it. With organizations like NASA leading the charge, the future of STEM innovation looks brighter than ever.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for more stories on youth innovation, STEM education, and how institutions like NASA are helping shape the world’s next generation of problem solvers.