UPPER ST. CLAIR — Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37) today joined students, educators, and local officials at Upper St. Clair (USC) High School to highlight bipartisan legislation that would expand access to K-12 robotics programs across Pennsylvania while recognizing the international achievements of one of the district’s robotics teams.
Senate Bill 1419, sponsored alongside Sen. Nikil Saval (D-1), would establish a statewide grant program to support existing K-12 robotics teams and help schools launch new programs, giving more Pennsylvania students access to hands-on STEM learning opportunities.
“Across Pennsylvania, students are developing skills that will define the future of our economy. They’re learning to solve complex problems, write code, and design and build sophisticated machines,” Robinson said. “They work together as a team to overcome challenges. Those aren’t just robotics skills, but life skills — the same skills our manufacturers, technology companies, healthcare providers, and countless other employers are looking for in tomorrow’s workforce.”
The event also showcased USC School District’s nationally recognized robotics program as an example of the type of innovative educational opportunity Senate Bill 1419 is designed to support.
Robinson recognized Team TeraBridges for capturing the Overall Tournament Championship at the 2026 Western Edge Premier Event, where the team competed against 88 of the top For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Tech Challenge teams from across the United States and around the world. The team also earned the Connect Award and the Sea Division Championship during the competition.
“The success of Team TeraBridges demonstrates what’s possible when students have access to high-quality robotics education and dedicated mentors,” Robinson said. “Our goal is to ensure more schools and students across Pennsylvania have the opportunity to build programs like this and develop the skills that will prepare them for the future.”
Senate Bill 1419 would help schools offset the costs associated with robotics programs, which often rely on fundraising, grants, and community support to purchase equipment, pay competition fees, and sustain operations.
“Each year, robotics programming unites students in the spirit of collaboration and exploration, allowing them to push their sense of the possible while building their knowledge, confidence, and skill as communicators and problem solvers,” Saval said. “I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact on students in schools in my district in Philadelphia, and I’m proud to be working with Sen. Robinson and partners in the House to advance legislation that will increase access to these programs for students across Pennsylvania. Our Commonwealth will benefit from this investment.”
Reps. Natalie Mihalek (R-40) and Jen Mazzacco (D-42) joined Robinson for the event, emphasizing the importance of investing in STEM education.
“I have had the pleasure of working with the incredible students from Upper St. Clair’s robotics program and Team TeraBridges, whose dedication and ingenuity represent the very best of what youth robotics can offer” Mihalek said. “Programs like these can give young leaners the chance to build real STEM skills, confidence, and collaboration. Expanding access to these opportunities will strengthen our community and help the robotics industry continue to grow in our district, while inspiring the next generation of problem solvers.”
“Investing in STEM education is an investment in Pennsylvania’s future,” said Mazzocco. “Upper St. Clair’s robotics program is giving students the opportunity to develop critical thinking, teamwork, and technical skills while showcasing the incredible talent we have right here in Western Pennsylvania. I’m proud to celebrate these students and support programs that help prepare the next generation of innovators.”
USC Robotics Program Coordinator Tracy Smith discussed the impact robotics has had on students and the district.
“Over the past six years, we have grown from a program of one teacher and two students at the high school to a program that involves over 400 students and seven teachers district wide,” said Smith. “Even more astounding is that we have over 50 volunteer parents coaching and mentoring our 18 middle school and four high school robotics teams. It has taken the support of our entire community to bring these opportunities to our students. We know the challenges that go along with starting a robotics program and are thrilled to see that Senate Bill 1419 is taking action to help make robotics programs more accessible to all schools.”
Students involved in USC’s robotics program spoke at the event about what participating in the program meant to them.
“USC robotics is an amazing program, as it allows students to explore many different pathways in engineering while developing skills needed for their future careers,” said Felix Chen, USC Robotics Club Co-President. “With the freedom to choose how much effort and dedication they put in, students are subsequently rewarded for their investment. For me, the program has not only helped me discover the fields I want to pursue in college, but it has also improved my confidence in my leadership and technical skills.”
“USC Robotics has helped me grow in every aspect of my life, not just as an engineer,” said Harish Rajaganapathy, USC Robotics Club Co-President. “Through the people I’ve met, the experiences I’ve shared, and the opportunities I’ve been given, I’ve developed as a leader, teammate, communicator, and problem-solver. Robotics has given me a community where I can challenge myself, collaborate with others, and share what I’ve learned with those around me. Looking back, I’m grateful for how much the program has shaped me both inside and outside of robotics.”
“Entering robotics as a girl was initially very intimidating, as I worried that my voice would be ignored or that I would be immediately pushed into non-technical roles,” said Augusta Bottonari, USC Robotics Club Co-Vice President. “However, now entering my third year on FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) team ROGO (Robotics Offering Girls Opportunities), I can say firsthand that USC Robotics has created an amazing space where I am constantly surrounded and inspired by other girls who are also passionate about STEM. Through ROGO, I have always felt encouraged to challenge myself, develop my technical skills, and grow as a leader.”
“Upper Saint Clair robotics has given me the opportunity to learn and explore career opportunities,” said Aaron Jiang, USC Robotics Club Co-Vice President. “Apart from the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and other technical skills that are required to build a competitive robot, another major aspect of FIRST and USC robotics is industry professional visits. I have gone to many STEM related companies and nonprofits to tour their facilities and see ways that the skills I have developed can be applied in the real world. This puts a tangible meaning into my work right now, as I can directly translate them into a beneficial future. Thus, I want to give all these amazing opportunities to many others and illustrate that FIRST is more than just a competition.”
View today’s press conference here.
View video footage of Team TeraBridges demonstrating their competition robots here.