We’re P4F Robotics – a community based robotics club – and winner of the Scottish FIRST Tech Challenge qualifying tournament. We’re fundraising so our diverse team of young people from across Edinburgh can participate in the More Than Robots UK Championship.

P4F Robotics is made up of fifteen boys and girls drawn from black and ethnic minority communities across Midlothian. We come together every Saturday at our youth group to design, build, code and make our robot ready for Champs!

We do this to be with other young people like us, in a safe environment which fosters our creativity and innovation. Many of us had never engaged in STEM activities at school and participation in the robotics club exposes us to technology and opportunities we might otherwise not have access to. Encounters with role models from industry who help coach the team provides insight to career opportunities. At our regional tournament in Edinburgh we won the “Inspire Award” – the Judges accolade for the team who best demonstrates “Gracious Professionalism” both on, and off the game field.

What we need

We’ve earned a place at the UK Champs in Cambridge on 21 June. We need support for the team’s travel and accommodation – as well as branding and additional robotics parts so we can pimp our bot! We’re seeking to raise £250 per young person.

We’re also looking for a title sponsor – a company from Edinburgh who shares in our mission to make STEM more accessible and inclusive for young people. This company will feature on all the team’s branding, fundraising page and in social media and communication posts.

What you’ll get

An undeniable sense or purpose and satisfaction knowing that you have empowered the next generation of young people to engineer better futures for themselves. Many of our team are now interested in pursuing STEM education and careers – your sponsorship will further the likelihood that we’re able to achieve our potential.

As a bonus anyone sponsoring us with £25 or more will feature on our Hall of Fame page. Anyone contributing £250 or more will be carried on an individual team members’ jersey.

“Why do I do it? Cos I get to be around people who understand what I go through on a day to day basis, expand my knowledge in STEM, create new opportunities, understand how robots work and have fun. That’s why.” Ethan, 15, Armadale, Edinburgh

FIRST Tech Challenge

Empowers young people aged 12-18 with the technical knowledge and soft skills to thrive by connecting them with industry mentors to work in business teams, designing, building and coding robots to compete in tournaments.

In 2023-24

· 41% identified as girls or non-binary

· 37% were from ethnically diverse backgrounds

· 71% now wish to pursue a career in STEM

www.morethanrobots.uk