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Empowering Students
STEAM Education Mission
Join us at SHIELD Mentor Program to be part of a transformative journey in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education in the Piedmont Triad (Greensboro–Winston-Salem–High Point, NC).
We are dedicated to fostering creativity, innovation, and diversity in high school students. Through mentorship and hands-on projects, we equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
Team EagleTron (FRC Team 9559)
Our mission is to empower high school students from diverse backgrounds to explore the exciting fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). Experience the excitement of FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), where students design, build, and program robots to tackle complex challenges. No cost to participate, and fundraisers cover competition expenses.
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Collaboration and Empathy: We are committed to creating a team culture where collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. By learning to work side by side, listening to different perspectives, and practicing empathy, our young people develop the social and emotional skills that are just as important as technical ones. These values prepare them not only to build strong robots but also to build stronger communities.
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Mentorship: Our program is not just about robots; it's about mentorship. You'll have the opportunity to learn from experienced mentors who are passionate about STEAM.
Goals:
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Spark curiosity in STEAM fields.
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Build and program real robots.
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Compete in exciting FRC events.
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Work as a team and solve problems.
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Share robotics with the community.
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Think big and innovate.
About FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC):
The range of opportunities that an education in STEM offers young people is wider than ever. FIRST® helps students uncover their futures using a winning formula of inspiration, hands-on learning, team-based problem solving, mentorship, and celebration.
More Than Robots®, FIRST is a life-changing global community of mentors, educators, volunteers, sponsors, parents, and alumni who are dedicated to helping all young people develop the skills, confidence, and perseverance to succeed.
Exciting, hands-on FIRST programs have a proven and lasting impact on STEM learning and interest. Participants work as teams in creative learning environments to solve an annual, themed robotics challenge.
Join Our 2025-2026 Archaeology-Inspired Robotics Season
UNCOVER THE FUTURE
Every artifact we uncover holds a story. Each tool, each innovation, each work of art connects us to the people and ideas that came before us. Using STEM skills and teamwork, today we can dig deeper into discoveries than ever before.
Welcome to FIRST® AGE™ presented by Qualcomm, our 2025–2026 robotics season inspired by archaeology. What will you uncover? Join us for an experience for the ages.
No experience? No problem! Whether you’ve been coding for years or are just curious about robotics, EagleTron has a place for you.
Who Can Join:
Any high school student curious about STEM or robotics can join EagleTron — no prior experience needed! We welcome 9th–12th graders from Guilford County and beyond, and motivated 7th–8th graders with robotics, programming, or engineering interest.
How to Join:
Ready to build, code, and compete? Express your interest in joining the EagleTron (FRC Team 9559) by filling out this form.
FRC 2026 Challenge: REBUILT™ Event Details:
In REBUILT™ presented by Haas, releasing January 10, 2026, FIRST Robotics Competition teams will use engineering skills to re-imagine the past. Students will design, program, and build industrial-sized robots to play an action-packed game in three-team alliances.
Through this 360-degree learning experience guided by mentors, team members develop engineering and problem-solving skills, raise funds, gain teamwork experience, and bring STEM excitement into the community.
FRC Kick-Off Event
Date: January 10, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM (noon) Eastern Time
Location: Thrive Coworking Space
District Events
District Event: Elon University
Dates: March 20–22, 2026
Location: Alumni Gym
Additional District Events: TBA
Cost:
Your participation and contribution play a vital role in ensuring the success and accessibility of these events. We are dedicated to offering comprehensive assistance, encompassing hotel accommodations, lodging, food, snacks, and transportation for all events. This commitment is made possible through our ongoing fundraising initiatives, sponsorships, and generous donor support.
Become a Mentor or Volunteer:
Parents, guardians, organizations, and companies passionate about STEAM and youth development are encouraged to get involved. Volunteers, sponsors, and participants in community outreach events are welcome. Even if you can’t commit every week, we have short-term volunteer roles, event helpers, and sponsor opportunities
Join the EagleTron (FRC Team 9559), where we're shaping the future, one robot at a time!
Inspire
Impact: Facts About FIRST Robotics
Empower
Leadership Skills
Empowering young minds to innovate through robotics, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills to shape a better future.
Reach
Diverse Network
Connecting with FIRST teams in over 110 countries, creating a diverse and inclusive community of young innovators worldwide.
Success
STEM Advocacy
Driving 81% of FIRST Alumni to pursue STEM majors, nurturing a new generation of science and technology leaders.
Confidence
Leadership Development
Instilling confidence in 83% of FIRST Alumni to excel in leadership roles, empowering them to lead and inspire in their schools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - EagleTron (FRC Team 9559)
1. What inspired the SHIELD Mentor Program to start the EagleTron (FRC Team 9559)?
Our Executive Director, Precious McKoy, is the visionary behind the creation of the EagleTron (FRC Team 9559). Her journey began over 15 years ago when she ventured into web development within the IT field. However, it was her personal experience as a mother that ignited her mission. Precious's two children started their STEAM journey at a remarkably young age, instilling in her a deep appreciation for the transformative potential of technology in shaping the workforce of the future. This personal experience laid the foundation for her commitment to creating a program that would provide opportunities for young lives to embrace STEAM and robotics. She is committed to ensuring that no young person is left behind in the exciting world of STEAM. Her vision is clear: technology has the power to build the workforce of the future, and she is passionate about inspiring innovation in young minds.
2. What is the team's commitment to diversity and mentorship?
Collaboration and empathy, guided by mentorship, are at the core of our mission.
3. Can parents, guardians, or other individuals get involved with the team?
Absolutely! We welcome parent and guardian involvement, whether as volunteers, mentors, or supporters. Please express your interest, and we can discuss how you can contribute.
4. Where is the team based, and who can join?
We are based in High Point, North Carolina, but we welcome high school students from Guilford County and beyond to join our team. Our primary focus is on serving the High Point community and inspiring young lives who may not have had access to STEAM experiences before.
5. What is the time commitment for team members?
The time commitment for team members involves meeting twice a week after school from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM and on Saturdays from 10 AM - 3 PM. This schedule allows students to balance their academic responsibilities while actively participating in the team's activities and projects.
6. How can organizations or companies partner with the EagleTron Robotics Team?
Organizations and companies that share our passion for STEAM education and youth development can partner with us through mentorship, sponsorships, or participation in our community outreach events. Contact us at info@shieldmentor.org for more information on partnership opportunities.
7. What is the timeline for the FIRST Robotics Competition?
The FIRST Robotics Competition Kick-off is in early January, marking the start of a six-week intense robot-building season. This leads to an exciting regional Championship event in March, where our team showcases their hard work, innovation, and teamwork. It's a thrilling part of our journey that challenges and inspires our young participants.
8. What is FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)?
FRC is a challenging, high-energy robotics competition for high school students, where teams build and program robots to compete in exciting games. It's a unique opportunity for high schoolers to apply their STEAM skills in a real-world, hands-on context.
9. How can I contact the team for further information?
For any additional questions or inquiries, please reach out to Precious McKoy, our Founder/Executive Director, at mckoyp@shieldmentor.org or by texting/calling 336-337-2771. We're here to assist and provide more information about our program.