What is IMPACT?

FIRST Team Blue Cheese Robotics has two homes: Deep Run High School in Glen Allen, VA, part of Henrico County Public Schools, and our build site at the home of our title sponsor, Powertrain Control Solutions, in Ashland, VA. Deep Run High School, once only known for its largely successful sports programs, is now the home of the 2016 FIRST Stronghold World Champions, following their "6-Banner" FIRST Robotics Competition season.
We spend nearly as much time and energy doing STEM outreach as working on our robots. Our outreach programs reach worldwide but begin at home, building awareness of and enthusiasm for project-based STEM learning at our school.

The team encourages participation among all students, regardless of grade level and prior robotics experience. To promote application and membership, the group hosts an Ice Cream Social every year where we show highlights from competitions, the build season, and outreach. Here we stress how important every member is regardless of their passion. We'll put you to work if you have something you can do! Whether you're an engineer or an artist, Blue Cheese Robotics has more than enough room for you.

Deep Run High School is also the home of Henrico County's Center for Information Technology, a specialty center that prepares students for computing, information technology, and project management careers.

Blue Cheese Robotics works closely with the teachers and executives in charge of the specialty center to encourage participation in robotics and other STEM-based activities. Every year, Blue Cheese Robotics demonstrates the previous year's robot at the CIT Open House for prospective students, ensuring that new students get a taste of Blue Cheese Robotics before enrolling.

As a result, a large percentage of our team comprises CIT students, and such students comprise the majority of our media, programming, and website sub-teams.

Blue Cheese Robotics has worked hard with the school to increase robotics awareness and the recognition of important STEM activities and classes. In 2013, FIRST Team 1086 founded its booster club, a critical step toward fundraising and recognition within the school.

Incorporating the robot into a game with human players engages and thrills the audience with wacky robot mayhem. We're also sure to get the loudest cheers! The team regularly performs and demonstrates their robots at the school's pep rallies.

Blue Cheese Robotics always draws a crowd at recruiting events for its Center for Information Technology. We build a float for the Homecoming Parade, and the entire team walks with other clubs and groups, handing out candy to spectators along the route. After the parade, we host a vast tailgating party with our students, parents, and mentors with lots of food and fun! We also make sure to book a spot at the school's summer Freshman Orientation for a demonstration to show new students the opportunities they have at Deep Run besides the school's sports and clubs.

A strong group of minds leads to a robust robot. Besides a thirst and passion for a sense of team camaraderie and fulfillment, Blue Cheese Robotics has additional requirements for team participation. Students must maintain at least a C in all of their classes because building a robot requires our members to be "sharp." To help our members meet participation requirements, the team has the No Cheesehead Left Behind program that encourages members to tutor and teach other members in areas of difficulty. Our Booster organization works hard to ensure that a lack of financial resources is not a barrier to participation.