MSA SWENext

Our FallFest event featured a festive autumn theme complete with a bake sale and concession stand to raise funds for MSA. Guests enjoyed hands-on experiences with our catapult outreach robot and explored demonstrations of our laser cutter and 3D printer. The event blended STEM learning with seasonal fun for the whole community.

Our Valentines-themed SWENext February Festival offered a mix of creativity and engineering, featuring interactive stations such as cookie decorating, laser engraving, and 3D printing, each led by volunteers who explained how the technology works. The event featured two guest speakers and a surprise presentation from Action Allies United, plus a raffle with exciting prizes!

The Robotics Petting Zoo brought together all three levels of FIRST Robotics (FLL, FTC, and FRC) to showcase how students can grow through the program and carry STEM concepts from one level to the next. We hosted three FTC teams (Tech Titans and Sharks), displayed an FLL robot, and featured inspiring talks from FLL coach Anand Bajaj and other speakers like Rukhsana Sathe and Rosario (Kary) Saud Geraldino. Visitors explored multiple stations focused on FRC, FTC, FLL, and STEM presentations, enjoyed snacks, and learned about robotics through a fun, interactive format.

In collaboration with: Bridge the Gap Robotics Foundation and Action Allies United

This national virtual event highlighted women in STEM across fields such as aviation, data science, leadership, military technology, medicine, program management, software engineering, and health research. Teams and attendees from across the country connected to hear from professionals, share experiences, and gain insight into diverse STEM careers

Our Maple Makerspace Night featured 5–6 interactive stations where students designed, built, and learned! Activities included LEGO bridge building, laser cutting, 3D printing, set assembly, and guided lessons on MakersWorld and Tinkercad. Kids created mini ghost models, received laser-cut jack-o’-lanterns, and built their own 3D-printed rocket keychains. Some even won custom lamps as prizes! The event celebrated creativity, hands-on learning, and the joy of making. One of our best events yet!

At the Dowell Middle School North Texas Regional Qualifier, we showcased the full range of our SWENext initiatives with hands-on activities to custom merch, design displays, and outreach materials. We were also proud to represent FirstLikeAGirl, giving young girls in STEM the opportunity to engage, explore, and feel empowered. Our interactive prize wheel was a huge hit, offering giveaways such as MSA SWENext–themed earrings, 3D-printed gears, LEGO flowerpots, and other fun STEM-inspired items. It was an exciting and inspiring day of celebrating creativity, engineering, and future innovators!

At the Dowell Middle School McKinney FLL Qualifier, we highlighted our SWENext initiatives through hands-on activities, custom merchandise, and engaging design and outreach displays. We also proudly represented FirstLikeAGirl, creating a welcoming space for young girls in STEM to explore and feel empowered. Students enjoyed our ornament-making booth, where they used 3D-printed charms, faux snow, and pipe cleaners to create festive holiday ornaments. The event allowed us to connect with new mentors and students and was a great overall success!

Our team is an ambassador for the #FirstLikeAGirl program started by FRC team 1902 Exploding Bacon which is a social media movement to encourage girls and women in STEM and FIRST. By showcasing the many incredible women of FIRST and their stories, girls can find role models who they identify with and are inspired by. 

Operation Maven: New mentorship program connecting young girls and women in STEM to experienced individuals working in academia and research. More details to come.