EDI Initiative
FRC 2468 dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion both within our team and within our community. We pledge to embrace all members of our community to join our team, educate ourselves and others on EDI, and ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to have their voice heard at the table. In the past 3 years , we’ve had over 150 participating students, and this year alone we’ve hosted 5 team culture meetings. We value the unique perspectives that every individual brings to our team and the contributions that they make. That is what makes us Team Appreciate.
What is EDI?
Equity is promoting fair treatment of all by taking into consideration everyone’s needs.
Diversity is the presence of differences, including underrepresented groups.
Inclusion is making sure everyone knows that they are welcome.
Our EDI Initiatives
Stories in STEM: Invite guest speakers to start conversations about their perspectives and experiences with EDI to educate our team members.
Team Culture Activities: Teach our team members concepts related to equity, diversity, and inclusion through unique activities.
Assistive Technology: Modify and donate toys that accommodate the needs of children with disabilities.
FIRST Access: Encourage special needs students explore STEM by helping them build and program robotics.
Robox Kits: Designed, manufactured, and distributed low-cost robotics kits to make hands-on STEM education more accessible for more students.
ClubZ: Partnered with an afterschool program to provide more STEM education opportunities for underserved students.
STEMGirls: Promote gender diversity in STEM through community outreach, speaker series, networking events, and presentations.
Lilypads: Build, decorate, and donate wooden Lilypad seats that attach to IV poles to increase mobility for children in hospitals.
Team Demographics
Gender
Race and Ethnicity
Disabilities**
*Numbers represent percentages of our team’s population
**Includes students with modifications
Testimonials from Students
“The Westlake robotics program is a place where I have always felt included, safe, and welcome. I believe our program strives to promote a culture of equality and diversity, no matter the team or level of robotics.”
“Our team culture is special in the way that I view my teammates not just as teammates but also as friends. If our team culture was just made out of relationships that ended with teammates, I don't think we would be where we are as a team.”
“My experience with 2468's culture has always been really positive. We are all very supportive of each other, putting aside our different backgrounds.”
“Our program does not exclude anybody of a specific race or culture, even if the program may not seem very diverse. Everybody who wants to be in Westlake Robotics can join, which makes us very inclusive.”
“Our FRC team has made profound effort in making our team environment as rich in diversity as possible, and continues to. Even then, we recognize there is always room for improvement and opportunities to keep each other accountable.”