Join an Alliance with GearCats Robotics Team 6500

Public school-based Raleigh, NC “Cinderella Team” GearCats 6500 rose from middle of the pack to the number one seed in the playoffs and Alliance lead in a field of 33 highly competitive teams at ECU this past weekend, capturing a silver medal and the Industrial Design award. And we want to form an alliance with you!

GearCats (FRC Team 6500 ) is in its 7th year as a competitive FIRST robotics team. We are committed to providing a hands-on STEM experience regardless of gender, ethnicity, or financial means – unlike many other teams, we pull exclusively from a public high school. Our students learn engineering and non-technical skills (communication, time management, marketing, negotiation, etc.) by working with volunteer mentors. Team members encourage STEM in the community and mentor in turn, including a local feeder elementary school.

But robots need parts and batteries, and we need support. We will likely qualify for the State Championship and possibly even the World Championship this season. These events' costs are high – registration fees, robot transport, student accommodation, and the like – but essential to giving our students the experience that motivates their learning and outreach. In addition, we need a permanent space. Due to a lack of space at our school, we survive on short-term rental agreements. A year-long contract would allow us to host day camps, keep active outside of school semesters, and provide a better-equipped environment that prepares our students for future careers. Support your community through us. We look forward to you joining our winning Alliance!

Some examples of how your donation will help:

$30 purchases one pressure switch

$45 purchases one NEO brushless motor

$165 pays for one month’s utilities

$250 sponsors a student for a year

$700 pays for one student’s trip to World

$700 covers one month’s rent

$5000 covers one Championship entrance fee