.png){kind=logo}
FTC TEAM // 28021 — BRONX, NY
Forging the future of robotics, one weld at a time.
Discover Our TeamWho We Are
via FTSee
The Steel Titans are an FTC team from Claremont International High School in the Bronx, NY, founded in September 2024. Now in our second year, we conduct most of our work at the NYC FIRST STEM Center at the Andrew Freedman House.
As recently arrived immigrants, our team members have worked hard to learn, communicate, and succeed in a new environment. Most of us began with little to no prior experience in robotics, but through dedication and teamwork, we have embraced the challenge. This journey has been about more than just building a robot — it has been about developing confidence, leadership, and resilience.
We are also part of a credit-bearing class at the NYC FIRST STEM Center, where we gain valuable technical and professional skills that support both our robotics work and future careers. We receive hands-on training with advanced tools and technologies, including CNC machines, laser cutters, Cricut machines, and 3D printers. We also learn 3D modeling and design, allowing us to create, prototype, and improve parts for our robot.
Our hard work and perseverance have already led to strong results — we are currently ranked 13th out of 149 teams across New York City.
2025–2026 Season
Connect Award — 2nd Place
Innovate Award, sponsored by RTX
Control Award
Winning Alliance — 1st Team Selected
How We're Built
CAD Design
Software & Autonomous
Mechanical Design
Wiring & Electronics
Community Engagement
The Roster
Mechanical & Electrical
Team Captain
Programming & Outreach
Design Team
Programming Team
Outreach Team
Design Team
Mechanical Team
Outreach Team
Programming Team
Electrical Team
Electrical Team
Mechanical Team
Behind The Build
Coach
Assistant Coach
Mentor
Mentor
Mentor / Alumnus
Outreach
We connected with Daniel Harris, Senior Executive Director of PSAL NYC DOE, who emphasized the importance of recognizing robotics and e-sports as competitive activities that require teamwork, strategy, and commitment.
We met with Dr. Larry D. Johnson, Jr., President of Bronx Community College, where we discussed the importance of expanding engineering pathways within the CUNY system and increasing access to STEM education.
We had the opportunity to speak with John B. King, Jr., Chancellor of SUNY and former U.S. Secretary of Education. We learned how government policy can support and expand access to engineering programs for students.
We connected with Jon Miller Schwartz, Co-Founder and CEO of ULTRA Robotics, who shared his journey from FIRST Robotics Competition to leading a robotics company in New York City. He inspired us to use curiosity, hard work, and technical skills to pursue careers in STEM and entrepreneurship.
We visited Columbia University's Engineering Department, where we explored the Makerspace lab and spoke with college students about their design processes. We also learned about student organizations such as the Columbia Space Initiative and CUFIRST.
Our team participated in a special event with NYC Council Member Althea Stevens, who allocated $100,000 to the NYC FIRST STEM Center at the Andrew Freedman Home. This funding expands access to robotics, engineering, and advanced technology opportunities for students across the Bronx. During the announcement, members of our team demonstrated our robot and showcased our work, highlighting the impact of STEM programs on students like us.
Backing Our Build
The Steel Titans actively build partnerships that support both our team and the broader community. We held a cookie fundraiser, where all proceeds were donated to the BELL Organization to support STEM-focused after-school programs for underserved youth in the Bronx. Through this initiative, we aimed not only to raise funds, but also to give back and expand access to STEM opportunities. Following this collaboration, the BELL Organization generously supported our team by donating LEGO SPIKE Prime kits, strengthening our robotics program.
Our school has been instrumental in supporting our team by helping with our budget, approving fundraisers, and allowing us to showcase our robots at school events. Through this support, we continue growing in STEM, gaining real engineering experience, and sharing our work with the school community.
Steel Titans established a partnership with Fabworks through our educational sponsorship outreach. Fabworks supports our team by providing resources and opportunities to assist with our robotics projects and STEM development. We greatly appreciate their commitment to supporting student robotics and engineering education.
Where We Build
Our team is supported by dedicated mentors who guide us both technically and professionally throughout our robotics journey. At the NYC FIRST STEM Center, we are mentored by Mr. Shorer and Mr. Rodriguez. They work with us during weekly robotics classes, teaching us essential skills in design, building, and programming while encouraging teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation. We are also supported by Jessy Devonou, an alumnus of our team, who provides guidance in coding and helps us develop our engineering portfolio. As a former team member, she brings valuable experience and insight that strengthens our growth. It is part of the broader FIRST network, which inspires young people to become science and technology leaders. Through the support of our mentors and the resources provided by NYC FIRST, we continue to build not only our robot, but also our confidence, technical abilities, and leadership skills.
At the NYC FIRST STEM Center at the Andrew Freedman Home, the STEM Center provides a unique environment for students to explore STEM disciplines through hands-on learning. The center offers access to advanced tools, collaborative workspaces, and mentorship opportunities that help students grow both technically and personally. Located in the historic Andrew Freedman Home, the STEM Center blends a rich cultural legacy with cutting-edge educational programs, giving students a creative space to innovate and collaborate on robotics, coding, and engineering projects.
Peer Network
Collaborating with FTC Teams
We regularly collaborate with 2 Train Robotics at the NYC FIRST STEM Center. They helped us by teaching and assisting us with Mecanum drive coding. We also exchange robot parts, programming ideas, and design concepts to improve both teams' performance.
Kenny Donuts has supported us with troubleshooting, programming help, and technical guidance. We also collaborate by sharing materials, resources, and build ideas to strengthen both teams.
The South Bronx Team has played a strong mentorship role. They helped us with robot building techniques and technical problem-solving, guiding us through mechanical and design challenges.
Team SITH Saturn provided us with valuable feedback on our shooter system design. Their suggestions helped us improve accuracy, efficiency, and overall robot performance.
Mechatronics shared advice on scoring multiple game elements efficiently. They also provided ideas that helped us improve strategy, teamwork, and competition performance.
We participated in an international FTC collaboration meeting hosted by Couch Potatoes. In this virtual event, 12 teams from 10 countries shared experiences, strategies, and competition insights. We gained global perspectives on robot design, teamwork, and competition strategy.
We supported Cheetah-X by providing robot parts and hands-on build assistance. Our goal was to help them strengthen their robot construction and progress in their build process.
We assisted Steel Fangs by providing materials and support during their robot build process. We helped them overcome mechanical challenges and improve their design.
Supported Fruity Pebbles by sharing materials and helping them with robot assembly and construction guidance. This helped them continue building and improving their robot.
In The Shop
Reach Out
Made Possible By
