About Us
About OTTER
Mission Statement
Team 8841 is dedicated to making STEAM education equitable and accessible for all. Through hands-on experience in mechanical, electrical, and software engineering, we help students gain valuable technical and problem-solving skills while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Guided by professionals from diverse industries, students explore career pathways, prepare for higher education, and access real-world opportunities. Above all, we are a team that learns, competes, and has fun—together.
FIRST Robotics
Numbers Speak For Themselves
4
Million
Youth participants since 1989
114
Countries with a FIRST presence
39 Million
Volunteer and Educator Hours in the 2024-25 Season
OTTER is proud to participate in FIRST Competitions. Interest in STEM and engagement in programs like ours help students develop holistic skills, preparing them for college, STEM careers, and a successful future.
Impact on Learning
FIRST® uses evidence-based strategies for STEM learning to prepare students for the new world of work.
The FIRST program model includes strategies known to increase student interest in STEM: hands-on
learning, working as a team on real-life problems, exposure to careers and caring adult mentors, emphasis
on FIRST Core Values, and a culminating celebration where students can showcase what they created and
learned. These program strategies and design result in an experience that helps all kids bridge the global
achievement gap and achieve positive outcomes beyond high school graduation.
Dedication to Inclusion
FIRST is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We embrace
and encourage differences in race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual
orientation, disability, age, religion, income, language, learning difference, or any other characteristics that make our
adult-force and students unique.
Robotics and Engineering activities introduce students to all types of STEM careers to help hone their passion.