The Haslett Robotics Club (HRC) continues to distinguish itself as a hub for student-led
innovation and learning. Based in Haslett but welcoming students from multiple local school
districts, HRC offers a variety of programs that foster creativity, collaboration, and leadership in
STEM fields.
HRC provides opportunities for students at every level. The VEX IQ Robotics (VIQRC) program,
designed for students in grades 4-8, has 15 teams with over 80 participants this year. Each
season, teams tackle a new game theme, by designing, coding, and driving robots to meet
specific challenges. Teams compete at events across the Midwest. Similarly, the VEX Robotics
Competition (V5RC) focuses primarily on high school students, who use advanced engineering
to build and program larger, more complex robots. In the air, the club’s Aerial Drone
Competition (ADC) team engages students in coding and piloting drones to complete mission-
based tasks.
Last season, HRC celebrated numerous accomplishments. Nine VIQRC teams advanced to the
State Championship, with one team, Minebots, earning 2nd place and qualifying for the World
Championship, where they won the Sportsmanship Award. This team also set a record for the
most awards earned by an individual team in one season. On the high school side, all three
V5RC teams qualified for States, with two advancing to Worlds. The Overcooked Bread team
took home the State Skills Champion title and finished 27th globally at Worlds.
Beyond competition results, students are successful both on and off the field. “Our robotics
programs are about building more than just robots,” said Phil Nguyen, HRC Chair. “Students
learn to work as a team, solve real-world problems, and develop leadership skills that will carry
them far into the future. Seeing our students thrive on a global stage reflects their hard work,
ingenuity, and perseverance.”
This season is already off to an exciting start. Several teams have qualified for the State
Championship, with many competitions still ahead. On January 18, 2025, HRC will host a VIQRC
tournament, followed by a V5RC tournament on January 19, 2025, at Haslett High School. These
events will bring together over 100 teams, nearly 500 students and about 2000 attendees in a
high-energy environment filled with fast-paced matches and hands-on problem-solving. “It’s
amazing to watch students collaborate and innovate in real time during competitions,” Nguyen
added.
HRC is a completely volunteer-run organization, with a commitment to nurturing student growth
and curiosity. In addition to its competitive programs, the club offers a spring Young Elementary
Program (YEP), a non-competitive introduction to robotics for 2nd and 3rd graders that runs for
four weeks.
With a record-breaking past season and an already promising start to the current one, Haslett
Robotics Club continues to inspire young innovators and prepare them to lead in the future of
STEM.
If you are interested in more information or to join our mailing list, please contact us
info@haslettrobotics.club or find us on Facebook.
