Redpen Collage Fair
Inspiring Futures at the Red Pen Fair: One Conversation at a Time
At the Red Pen Fair, we had the opportunity to do more than just showcase a robot—we shared a vision of what’s possible when students are introduced to STEM early. Through live demonstrations and personal storytelling, we introduced FIRST and the FIRST Tech Challenge to a wide and curious audience.
Over the course of the event, 100+ students and parents engaged with our booth, learning about our robotics journey—from brainstorming and design to competitions and teamwork. Watching students connect with our experiences and imagine themselves building, coding, and competing was incredibly rewarding. For many families, this was their first exposure to FTC, and the excitement was contagious.
A particularly meaningful aspect of the event was our interaction with 20+ top college counselors. We discussed how FTC develops skills that colleges value deeply—problem-solving, leadership, collaboration, and resilience. By highlighting these benefits, we encouraged counselors to guide students toward joining FTC as early as Grade 7, allowing them more time to explore their interests, grow their technical abilities, and build strong profiles for the future.
These conversations reinforced an important message: robotics is not just an extracurricular—it’s a launchpad for lifelong learning and leadership. By connecting students, parents, and educators in one space, the Red Pen Fair became a catalyst for awareness, inspiration, and early engagement in STEM.
As we continue our outreach journey, events like this remind us why we do what we do—to ignite curiosity, open doors, and help students see that their future in innovation can start today.
