We are the Dunlap Eagles Robotics Team (a.k.a. DERT), a team that competes in the FIRST Robotics Competition. FIRST is an international STEM organization that supports students from elementary school through high school, helping inspire and prepare the next generation of innovators, engineers, and problem-solvers. Over the years, our team has helped develop students who have gone on to pursue careers in engineering, skilled trades, and other STEM fields. 

To build and sustain our competitive robotics program, we have been fortunate to receive support from numerous sponsors, including Caterpillar, TE Connectivity, Ameren, and 3M, among many others. That support has helped us provide students with meaningful, hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world engineering. DERT also helps students transition from FIRST LEGO League (FLL) and FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) into FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). While FLL and FTC are smaller in scale, FRC gives students the opportunity to apply and expand those skills using real-world tools, advanced programming, and full-scale competitive robots.

We separate everyone into several subteams based on their talents and skills. No prior experience is needed if you want to join any of these subteams. We can teach new members of electrical and programming how to wire and code. We can teach mechanical members how to design robots on computers and how to build the robot.  Members of PR can learn how to effectively make a pitch to sponsors and how to budget. The subteams allow members to hone the specific skill set that they are interested in to a higher degree. 

We organize team members into several subteams based on their interests and strengths, but no prior experience is required to join. New members can learn wiring and coding on the electrical and programming team, computer-aided design and fabrication on the mechanical side, and communication, budgeting, and sponsor outreach through public relations. These subteams allow students to build specialized skills while still contributing to the success of the team as a whole.