We hosted a one-week summer camp in June for incoming 7th-9th graders to experience a condensed FTC season. They were able to learn the design process, how to utilize CAD, program with JAVA, and presentation skills throughout the week. We had five Radical members mentor the 18 that attended, and not only were we able to expose them to FIRST, but we also recruited / kids to PV robotics.

Our team had a representative at our annual school club fair. We promoted FTC to students at the event, displaying what FIRST and robotics has to offer. We used this to recruit new members to our team. 

 Run with Carl reached out to PV Robotics to design and create medals for their Labor Day race. Members of Robotics participated in CAD designing the several medals, and they were 3D printed and given to the Run with Carl group. 

Every year, PV Robotics helps the Davenport Noon Optimists Club by placing over 220 flags in front yards across the community over the span of five major American holidays. Through this opportunity, PV Robotics is compensated $4,500 annually.

HeartStart began as a personal project inspired by Harshita’s childhood medical anxiety. It has since evolved into a collaboration with educators and healthcare partners to create a hand-cranked model that shows how the heart beats. The project strengthens our CAD and prototyping skills and reflects our commitment to building meaningful STEM tools that genuinely support young patients.

Our team lead, Harshita, represents Pleasant Valley on both the Iowa FIRST Student Leadership Board and the Iowa Governor’s Youth STEM Advisory Council. Through her work, our team stays connected to statewide STEM goals, contributes student perspectives to planning efforts, and collaborates on initiatives aimed at expanding FIRST participation across Iowa. These roles help our team remain informed, engaged, and aligned with broader STEM opportunities statewide.

We engaged families in hands-on discussions about STEM and FIRST pathways, highlighting FLL-to-FTC progression and sharing our experiences. This event helped us expand FIRST access across Iowa and reach new students from diverse communities.

On September 25th, we hosted a booth at Pleasant Valley Highschool’s homecoming carnival. Sponsored by a local business, Ma and Pa’s Kettle Korn, we sold bags of Kettle Corn and made $332 to support our team operations and sustainability.

Members of our business department who have FLL experience spend time each week mentoring local teams. They visit each team at least once a week for about an hour and a half, helping with whatever the students need, whether it’s project ideas, robot issues, or staying on track. By being there consistently, they help the younger teams feel supported, confident, and ready for competition.

We assist the following teams:

• Flourish and Bots Navy

• Flourish and Bots Gold

• Forest Grove Elementary School

• Hopewell Elementary School