Avnet supported the recent 2025 Arizona North and East FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Regional, which took place from March 12-15, in Flagstaff, Arizona and March 19-22, 2025, in Tempe, Arizona. Avnet’s sponsorship of this STEM education initiative provides students with opportunities to develop skills in innovation and engineering.
These events each brought together over 40 high school teams from Arizona, California, Taiwan, Mexico, and the Netherlands, where students put their skills to the test by designing, building, and programming industrial-sized robots for competition.
FRC challenges students to problem-solve, collaborate, and innovate under strict time constraints and limited resources. Beyond technical skills, teams also fundraise, develop a unique team brand, and promote STEM in their communities, making it both an educational and entrepreneurial experience. With guidance from adult mentors, students gain hands-on experience that prepares them for careers in engineering, programming, and beyond.
FIRST Robotics plays a vital role in empowering young minds through STEM education, providing students with opportunities to develop the skills and confidence needed to tackle real-world challenges. By participating in events like the Arizona North and East Regional, students gain hands-on experience in engineering, programming, and teamwork, preparing them to shape the future of technology.
“It was an amazing and fulfilling experience! Seeing the dedication and commitment these teams put into their work, and how much they care about their team, other teams, and their communities, was truly inspiring,” said, Evan Tsoukalas, Global Senior Director Programming Operations at Avnet and judge of the robotics East event. “Whether it was the problem solving in the pits, the cheering from the stands, or the emotional award announcements, every moment was uplifting. I was also impressed by how seriously they take the judging process, with detailed guidelines, thorough pre-work, and a dedicated Judge Advocate to guide us. The gratitude from participants and the dedication of so many volunteers made it all the more rewarding.”
