Team 9339 - VRC

The two members of Team 9339 had their first experience with the VEX Robotics kit in the summer of 2009, when they enrolled in Bellarmine’s summer robotics class, which was staffed by 254 students.  Afterward, they decided to start their own VRC team, using funds from their parents to purchase parts.  For the next few months, Team 254 kept in contact with them and provided build advice and helped solve their programming challenges. As a result, 9339 grew to become a highly successful competitor, reaching the semi-finals of their first tournament and winning the most prestigious regional recognition, the Excellence Award, at their second tournament.

Several students at Fremont High School had been exposed to robotics with Lego League kits brought in as classroom curricula. As a result of their interest, they collaborated with students of Team 254 and began their own VEX team, subsidized by the school. Ever since, 254 has mentored at Fremont weekly helping them out in the more difficult aspects of VEX Robotics by providing programming tips, aiding their design process, and introducing them to the style of competition by guiding them during the Bellarmine VEX tournament. In February 2010, team 1381 registered for and attended their first tournament at Independence High School.

Team 1445 - VRC

Several Independence High School faculty and students expressed interest in starting a robotics program for their public school with Bellarmine's team as their primary mentors.  With weekly build sessions and help from various members of 254's VEX teams, Team 1445 rapidly developed successful competition skills, winning the Bellarmine tournament after less than a month of preparation.  A few months later, Team 254 provided the equipment and aid for Independence to host their own tournament.  Two Cheesy Poofs were recognized at the Independence tournament with the Volunteer of the Year Award.

Team 1693 - VRC

Faculty at Downtown College Prep in San Jose contacted NASA Ames for assistance in setting up a robotics-related extra curricular activity for their students, and were directed to Team 254 members.  Just as with Independence High School, the Cheesy Poofs offered to help them organize their own robotics team.  Students from Bellarmine hosted several Downtown students at Bellarmine's VEX Regional, introducing them to the essential concepts of VEX competition, and helped out at their school shortly afterward.  By January 2010, Team 1693 competed in its first competition, reaching the final round at Independence High School's tournament.

Peterson Middle School - FLL

Early in the school year, Peterson Middle School's math and science departments contacted Bellarmine and expressed interest in introducing their students to a hands-on robotics activity.  Along with several Peterson teachers, Bellarmine's outreach sub-team persuaded the school's administration to supply the funding for 4 FIRST Lego League kits.  In the span of two weeks, Peterson's team grew to include 40 students mentored weekly by 254 robotics members.  With continued support from Bellarmine, 254 hopes that Peterson will develop into a successful full-fledged competitive program.

Physics Day at Great America

In addition to the NASA Open House, we offer visitors the opportunity to get to know more about our program at Physics Day in Great America, staffed by 254 students. We give attendees in the theme park the opportunity to complement their visit by driving our VEX and FRC robots and learning more about both programs.  With such activities, we hope to spread the same interest in robotics that drives our team.