The TMT Youth Community Foundation is seeking to develop a comprehensive framework for a statewide high school robotics competition in North Carolina, specifically targeting Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties. These areas are economically disadvantaged and underserved in STEM education, making it crucial to create opportunities for youth engagement in robotics. The project aims to design strategies, toolkits, and digital systems that will make robotics accessible to students in rural and low-resource communities. By focusing on inclusivity and accessibility, the goal is to establish a replicable competition model that not only increases participation but also fosters long-term STEM education pipelines. This initiative will empower students, enhance their problem-solving skills, and inspire future careers in STEM fields.

The project will result in a detailed framework for the robotics competition, including strategic plans, educational toolkits, and digital infrastructure. Deliverables will include a comprehensive outreach plan to engage schools in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties, a toolkit for educators to facilitate student participation, and a digital platform to manage competition logistics. Additionally, a replicable model will be developed to ensure the sustainability and scalability of the competition across the state.