How CO:bots Started
In Jackson County, young minds are pushing the limits of STEM learning through robotics. Eight years ago, students from different backgrounds—public school, private school, and homeschool—came together with a shared passion. They gathered at theCO’s new VEX Robotics club, CO:bots, which has since grown into a competitive powerhouse. The first tech challenge jackson county began as part of the Jackson Area Robotics Club at Liberty High School. However, there was a need for a more inclusive space where students of all skill levels could collaborate and innovate. Ben McCarver, a former CO:bots student, along with his family and Rhodes Barnett, a key member at theCO, helped bring this vision to life.
The Need for Robotics in Jackson County
STEM education is vital for preparing students for future careers. However, finding local opportunities to engage deeply in science and technology was once a challenge.
Kabao McCarver, a CO:bots parent volunteer, judge, and recipient of the Inspiration All Star Award, shared how difficult it was to find STEM activities for her child. She realized that if her son had this passion, many other kids in Jackson County might too. This is why she has remained committed to supporting the program.
The Road to World Championships
Every year, CO:bots teams participate in a series of competitions to qualify for the prestigious VEX Robotics World Championship. This event hosts over 800 teams, 10 divisions, and 45 countries.
The main path to Worlds involves winning local tournaments to secure a spot in the State Championship. From there, only the top two finalists in each division earn a place at the World Championship. However, CO:bots teams have found other creative ways to qualify as well.
“Our 2775V team qualified through three or four different methods last year,” said Gina Wade, a dedicated parent volunteer and judge.
Meet the Team: The Faces Behind CO:bots
One of CO:bots’ most successful teams is 2775V, led by Sam McCarver. Sam, younger brother of Ben McCarver, is a jack of all trades—engineer, builder, and driver extraordinaire.
Under Sam’s leadership, 2775V has made it to the VEX Robotics World Championship three times. Their success is proof that talent, dedication, and the right resources can put a small-town robotics club on the global stage.
Achievements & Awards at the VEX Championship
The 2024 VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas, was a historic event for CO:bots. The 2775V team qualified and dominated the competition, becoming the Division Champions of the Arts Division and reaching the quarter-finals.
Additionally, CO:bots received the Amaze Award, given to teams with high-performing robots in both skills and match play. This achievement is a testament to the hard work of students, mentors, and parent volunteers.
“Making it to the Dome alone is a huge accomplishment,” said Gina Wade. “And our kids got to sign yellow hard hats—our signature tradition at Worlds.”
Why Robotics Matters for Students
Robotics competitions like the first tech challenge jackson county are not just about winning medals. They provide students with real-world engineering experience, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Benefits of Robotics for Students:
- Encourages critical thinking and creativity
- Develops engineering and programming skills
- Builds confidence in public speaking through team interviews
- Fosters leadership and collaboration
- Prepares students for future STEM careers
According to Kabao McCarver, students who participate in robotics gain valuable soft skills. “These kids become more articulate and confident in their abilities,” she said. “They are learning to be brave in a world that often discourages that.”
How to Join CO:bots
CO:bots is open to all middle and high school students in Jackson County. Whether a student is a beginner or has advanced engineering skills, there is a place for them in the program.
Details on CO:bots Meetings:
- Where: TheCO’s event space, Jackson County
- When: Every Thursday at 5 p.m.
- Who Can Join: Middle and high school students interested in robotics and engineering
- No Experience Needed: Beginners are welcome!
Parents and volunteers are also encouraged to get involved. Support is needed for mentoring, judging, and organizing competitions.
The Future of Robotics in Jackson County
Jackson County has proven that small communities can compete on the global stage. With continued support, CO:bots can expand its reach, train more students, and bring home even bigger victories.
Plans for the Future:
- Expanding outreach programs to local schools
- Offering more scholarships for students to participate
- Hosting local robotics competitions to encourage STEM growth
- Partnering with local businesses for funding and mentorship opportunities
“Right here in Tennessee, we have some robotics rockstars,” Kabao McCarver said. “And whether people know about it or not, we are making an impact.”
Conclusion
The first tech challenge jackson county is more than just a robotics competition. It’s an opportunity for students to excel, learn, and connect with a world of possibilities in STEM. CO:bots continues to prove that talent and dedication can take students from small-town meetings to the World Championship stage.