It's amazing what some kids can do with their computers and a bit of imagination these days.
White Oaks Secondary School began their robotics team last school year, in September 2023. Now, not even 18 months later, they are now among the top 100 programs in the entire world.
Maybe the most incredible part is that it all began from the students themselves. More specifically, the program was started by two grade 11 students Zane Beeai and Shayaan Azeem.
"This is one of the best initiatives that I have been able to be a part of," said Zane. "White Oaks is such a massive school and before this, their weren't many avenues to explore STEM. So now that we have been able to expand the club and have all three teams and see that growth."
Both students began this initiative on their own with little help from their teachers and in a little over a year they have turned their robotics club into one of the best in the entire world.
They've engaged with over 150 students in Robotics and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) initiatives, which includes neuro-divergent students through their Community Pathways Integration Program.
They have also worked with several elementary schools to tech the next generation of innovators about robotics and programming. Their club has also grown to three competitive teams.
So far, in the last two seasons, they've won 17 different awards, including four Excellence Awards for their creations. More prestigously, they were Global Finalists in the 2024 Mathworks Challenge.
Both Zane and Shayaan have been the driving forces of the program since its start, and that doesn't just mean in the work room but it also means on the financial side.
In order to by parts and be able to go to big competitions, Zane, Shayaan, and the club have to raise money on their own so that they can pay to participate in these events.
The club does not get funding from White Oaks or the Halton District School Board, so all of the money they need to go to these big events is gathered from sponsorships and from their own pockets.
Zane, Shayaan, and the entire robotics team are seeking more sponsorships and more financial help so they push their performance even further and potentially get the same amount of funding as some private schools.
For those wishing to help sponsor the team, you can visit the club's website online here.
Tyler Collins contributed additional reporting to this article.