Three years ago, Rust Belt Robotics began as an idea—and a robot built in a garage. With just three students, one mentor, and no space, we took on the challenge of forming Buffalo’s first free and community-based FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team. That humble beginning has since grown into one of the most impactful, inclusive STEM programs in the city.

Today, Rust Belt Robotics serves over 30 students from more than 20 schools across Buffalo and Western New York. We’ve become a hub for hands-on engineering education, career exposure, and mentorship—especially for students underrepresented in STEM. We cover all costs for our students, removing the barriers that prevent many Buffalo kids from accessing high-quality extracurricular learning.

A Community in Need of Space

We’ve made it this far on grit, talent, and heart—but our time in our current lab is ending. We are now urgently seeking a new home to keep this transformative program alive.

We need:

~2,000+ sq ft for our equipment (CNCs, printers, tools, field space)

Accessible location for students across Buffalo

A space where learning, innovation, and mentorship can continue

Without a space, our students lose not just a lab—but a launching pad for their futures.

Rust Belt Robotics is changing lives.

Help us continue this mission. With the right home, we’ll keep building, teaching, and inspiring the next generation of Buffalo’s engineers.