Our Mission

Our mission is to empower Mississippi youth through robotics and STEM education.
We provide a supportive, hands-on learning environment where students from Kindergarten through 12th grade can: explore science and technology , develop personal and professional skills, build the confidence to pursue science and engineering careers.

We strive to foster personal growth, teamwork, and leadership, while driving community progress in education and economic development.

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Vision Statement

Our vision is to create a thriving community of innovators in Central Mississippi. We imagine a “conveyor belt” of future STEM leaders — where children from all backgrounds engage in robotics early, continue through high school, and move into college or the workforce as skilled, passionate problem-solvers.

We aim to be the premier program expanding access to STEM and robotics in our region, ensuring technology opportunities are available to all. By cultivating curiosity and excellence, we see a future where our students lead Mississippi to the forefront of innovation.

Our Story

Founded in 2005 as part of SR1’s mission to improve education, SR1 Robotics began with a simple idea — to give students who have little exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) a chance to shine.

In 2014, after collaborating with state FIRST® representatives, SR1 launched Team SCARLET (FTC Team #6205) – our first competitive robotics team.

“It was tough at first,” recalls founder Tamu Green. Students had never built robots before, but with patience, mentorship, and determination, they learned by trial and error and grew into confident problem-solvers.

Over time, robotics transformed our students. They started coming in on weekends, giving up other activities, and sticking with problems until they found solutions. Most importantly, they began asking “Why not me?” — realizing that engineering and coding are for them too.

Team SCARLET is a place where students gain confidence, build skills, and see themselves as future engineers and innovators.

“Even the girls on Team SCARLET began believing they could enjoy and pursue science and engineering.”

Today, SR1 Robotics is a STEM pipeline serving students from elementary through high school, with programs that foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence.

100% of SR1 students graduate high school and attend college, many pursuing engineering, computer science, and other STEM fields — a powerful testament to the impact of opportunity and mentorship.

Our Journey So Far

2013 — The Beginning

Team SCARLET (FTC #6205) is founded and competes in its first FIRST® Tech Challenge season.
Students from multiple schools unite as one team, learning the basics of robot design, coding, and teamwork.
Marks the start of SR1’s robotics journey.

2016 — Recognition and Resilience

Team SCARLET earns statewide recognition for innovation and teamwork.
SR1’s program stands out for its high-tech, futuristic approach.
Despite statewide funding cuts, the robotics team thrives through community support.

2018 — Expanding to Younger Students

Launch of Junior Robotics for elementary and middle school students.
Students begin learning through LEGO® robotics clubs and coding classes.
Creates a feeder pipeline to Team SCARLET — a “conveyor belt” of future engineers.

2020 — Perseverance During the Pandemic

When COVID-19 disrupts in-person meetings, SR1 Robotics pivots to virtual design sessions and at-home challenges.
Mentors deliver robot kits to homes so learning continues.
Team SCARLET competes in remote competitions, showing adaptability and grit.

2024 — Award-Winning Achievement

Entering the FIRST® “Into The Deep” season with an expanded roster of students.
Team SCARLET wins the Connect Award and Innovate Award (sponsored by RTX) at the Mississippi FIRST® Tech Challenge.
Recognized for community outreach, partnerships, and creative engineering.
These back-to-back awards highlight student ingenuity and impact.

2025 — Looking to the Future

We’re thrilled to kick off the FIRST Tech Challenge 2025-26 season — DECODE™ presented by RTX — with a bigger, stronger team of passionate students ready to build, code, and compete!

Recruiting new members and mentors from across Central Mississippi.
SR1 Robotics has grown into a full STEM ecosystem, nurturing learners and leaders.