Underwater Robot Showdown: We Need You!

*DreamStudio: Mystical underwater ocean with glowing robots, surrounded by young scientific people, ethereal, dreamlike, stylized*

So, the X Academy and the Santa Cruz County Office of Education have a small request.

They're in dire need of some adults to mentor high school students. Why? Well, not for the typical prom dance lessons or to discuss the complexities of TikTok dances. No, they want to build underwater robots for the upcoming MATE ROV competition in April 2024! The X-Academy is well versed in this already as they have experience competing in this International Competition winning 5th place in June.

Now, what does this competition have? A pool party where robots strut their stuff, some snazzy engineering presentations, and a delightful array of activities that sound like they're right out of a corporate retreat—things like technical writing, corporate “be responsible” chat, safety (because robots should play safe too), dazzling marketing stints, and a sheet that essentially says "this is what our robot is all about." The students? They're playing "corporate" dress-up, filling in roles from CEOs to CFOs to the person who ensures everyone gets their coffee right.

But wait, there’s more!

You might be thinking, "I can't even program my TV remote, let alone mentor robot-making!" Fear not! They don’t need you to be the next Tony Stark. Engineers, sure. Mechanics, cool. But also... surfboard shapers? Carpenters? Even plumbers? Basically, if you’ve ever made a thing, fixed a thing, or just admired a thing—you’re their kind of mentor! Some bonus points if you're into CAD, software tinkering, and electronics, but what they really want is enthusiasm, passion, and an undying love for dramatic pauses. The future STEM wizards need you in their corner!

The logistics

Watsonville’s brightest roboteers club meets on Saturdays from 1-4pm. Santa Cruz’s future robot tycoons convenes Sundays from 1-4pm. But wait, there is more! X Academy is hosting an open-house for students and mentors to learn more from Sept. 30/Oct. 1, 1-4pm.