.png)
SHIELD Mentor Program • FIRST Robotics Competition
EagleTron FRC Team 9559
ENGINEERED TO SOAR
BUILD SKILLS. BUILD CONFIDENCE. BUILD ROBOTS.
EagleTron is the SHIELD Mentor Program’s FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC) Team 9559.
Based in High Point, North Carolina, and serving young people throughout the Piedmont Triad, EagleTron brings young people together with dedicated mentors to explore robotics, engineering, programming, and leadership through hands-on STEAM experiences.
Our team members build more than robots. They develop technical skills, strengthen their confidence, practice problem-solving, and prepare for future education and workforce opportunities.
No prior robotics experience is required.
EagleTron is operated by the SHIELD Mentor Program.
OUR PURPOSE
More Than Building a Robot
EagleTron gives young people opportunities to turn ideas into reality while developing skills, confidence and leadership experience for their future.
Throughout the season, team members work alongside dedicated mentors to design, build, wire, program, test and improve a competition robot. Along the way, they strengthen communication, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership skills while gaining experience in fundraising and community outreach.
At the SHIELD Mentor Program, we believe every child benefits from having someone lead and guide them. Our mentors encourage young people to ask questions, explore new possibilities, overcome challenges and take ownership of their learning and contributions to the team.
We are not simply building robots. We are helping build future leaders.
Engineering & Building
Explore mechanical systems, tools, fabrication, prototyping and robot assembly while transforming ideas into working solutions.
Leadership & Teamwork
Practice communication, collaboration, decision-making and problem-solving while contributing to the team’s success.
Programming & Technology
Gain experience with coding, electronics, sensors and control systems that bring a competition robot to life.
Mentorship & Workforce Development
Connect robotics experiences to education, STEAM career pathways and future workforce opportunities through meaningful mentoring relationships.
OUR IMPACT
Engineered to Soar: Our 2026 Season
In only our third year of competition, EagleTron demonstrated what young people can accomplish through dedication, teamwork and support from mentors.
Beyond the competition field, team members have shared their robotics experiences in schools and community settings, helping other young people discover STEAM and leadership opportunities. Our theme, Spreading Robotics Everywhere, captures this commitment to outreach.
OUR GOAL
What We Work Toward
Through EagleTron, the SHIELD Mentor Program works to:
✔️ Make hands-on robotics accessible to more young people.
✔️ Build mechanical, electrical, programming and engineering skills.
✔️ Strengthen teamwork, leadership and problem-solving.
✔️ Create opportunities to compete in FIRST Robotics Competition events.
✔️ Connect young people with mentors who lead and guide them.
✔️ Introduce STEAM education and workforce pathways.
✔️ Share robotics with schools, families and communities throughout the Piedmont Triad.
✔️ Help team members grow in confidence and responsibility.
The competition experience
About FIRST® Robotics
Competition
FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and mentors to design, build and program a robot for a new challenge each season. Teams apply engineering skills, test ideas, solve problems and compete alongside other teams while developing life and leadership skills.
For EagleTron, FIRST provides an environment where young people learn by doing with support from mentors, teammates, families and volunteers.
2027 season
BIOCORE™ presented by Haas
Part of the FIRST® CANOPY™ season. The new challenge will be revealed on January 9, 2027.
JOIN
Join EagleTron for the 2027 Robotics Season
Engineer Possibilities Together. Every young person brings ideas worth exploring.
Whether you have been coding for years, enjoy building things or are curious about robotics, EagleTron is a place to learn and contribute. With guidance from mentors and support from teammates, young people turn their ideas into designs, code, electrical systems and a working competition robot.
SAVE THE DATES
2027 Competition Season
Each January, FIRST reveals a new robotics challenge. EagleTron team members then work with mentors to design, build, program and test their robot before competition.
Upcoming Events
Saturday, January 9, 2027 • 12:00 PM Eastern
2027 Season Kickoff & BIOCORE Game Reveal
Local EagleTron gathering: Thrive Coworking Space, Greensboro, NC
April 2–4, 2027 • Tentative
Wake County #1 District Event (Tentative)
Holly Springs High School
April 9–11, 2027
Elon University District Event
TBD, Elon University
April 16–18, 2027
FIRST North Carolina FRC State Championship
Greensboro Coliseum Complex • participation subject to qualification
Competition assignments, dates and locations may change. Confirm dates before travel planning. The national FIRST game reveal and the local EagleTron gathering are separate activities.
VOLUNTEER
Become an EagleTron Mentor or Volunteer
Young people benefit from mentors who are willing to lead, guide, teach and encourage them.
EagleTron welcomes adults who want to share their time, experience and skills. Technical knowledge is helpful, but it is not required for every volunteer position.
We welcome support in mechanical systems, electrical systems, programming, engineering, recruitment, fundraising, communications, leadership development, community outreach and team events.
Volunteers working directly with young people must complete applicable background checks and training. Regular mentoring activities generally take place on second Saturdays, with increased commitments during robotics build and competition season.
Support the 2027 team
Help EagleTron Get Ready for 2027
Join the 9-5-5-9 Challenge
Give Back. Give Forward. Help Team 9559 Soar.
The 95-day campaign launched October 10, 2026, with a goal of raising $9,559 to support EagleTron's 2027 robotics season.
Contributions help provide robot parts, tools, technology, safety gear, FIRST registration, meals, transportation and competition experiences.
$9,559
Campaign goal
95
Days
Your gift is an investment in more than a robot. It supports mentoring, leadership development and exposure to STEAM and workforce opportunities.
✔️ Robot parts, tools and build materials
✔️ Electronics and programming resources
✔️ Safety equipment and supplies
✔️ Competition registration and event expenses
✔️ Transportation and meals
✔️ Hands-on STEAM, robotics and mentoring experiences
Community Partnerships in Action
Robotics Beyond the Competition Field
From school visits and industry experiences to public demonstrations and STEAM events, EagleTron team members share what they learn and inspire more young people to explore robotics and future careers.
WORK WITH EAGLETRON
Become Part of the Story
There are two meaningful ways to support our mission. Invite EagleTron to connect with your community, or help fund the resources our team needs to learn and compete.
Interested in joining our 2027 sponsors? Email info@shieldmentor.org with the subject line “2027 EagleTron Sponsorship.” Tell us about your organization and whether you’re interested in financial support, an in-kind donation, employee volunteering, or a combination. You may also call or text 336-337-2771. We’ll follow up to discuss the team’s needs and how your organization can participate.
WITH GRATITUDE
Our Sponsors, Grant Supporters & Program Connections
We recognize the organizations that have helped support EagleTron's growth through sponsorships, grants, program involvement and community collaboration. Listed alphabetically.
AAUW
MHI
BAE SYSTEMS
FIRST ROBOTICS
NASA
PPG
FIRST NORTH CAROLINA
WALMART
OUR INDIVIDUAL DONORS
2026 Community Donors
Thank you to the individuals and families who helped EagleTron provide tools, materials and learning experiences for young people throughout the 2026 robotics season.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What inspired the SHIELD Mentor Program to start EagleTron FRC Team 9559?
EagleTron was created by the SHIELD Mentor Program to expand access to hands-on robotics, engineering and technology experiences for young people.
SHIELD Founder and Executive Director Precious McKoy's background in technology, education and mentoring helped shape a vision for a community-based robotics team where young people could develop technical skills while learning alongside mentors.
EagleTron began competing in FIRST Robotics Competition in 2024 and continues SHIELD's commitment to helping young people explore STEAM education, leadership and future workforce opportunities.
2. What is EagleTron's commitment to mentorship?
Mentorship is central to EagleTron. Every child benefits from having someone who will lead and guide them. EagleTron mentors help team members explore their interests, learn new technical skills, work through problems, take on leadership responsibilities and identify opportunities for their future. Our goal is not simply to build a competition robot. We want young people to grow alongside adults who are invested in helping them learn and succeed.
3. Can parents and guardians get involved?
Parents and guardians can support EagleTron as volunteers, mentors, event supporters, fundraisers and advocates for the team.
Families are an important part of the EagleTron community, and we welcome their participation.
4. Where is EagleTron based, and who can join?
EagleTron is based in High Point, North Carolina, and operates throughout the Piedmont Triad, including Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem.
Our team brings together young people from Allen Jay Preparatory Academy, Dudley High School, Grimsley High School, Northwest Guilford High School and additional schools throughout the region.
Young people in grades 9–12 may join, and a limited number of interested young people in grades 7–8 may also participate.
5. What is the time commitment?
FIRST Robotics Competition requires a meaningful commitment from team members. EagleTron meets regularly during the preseason and increases its meeting schedule during the robot build and competition season. Team members are expected to participate consistently, communicate with coaches and mentors, contribute to their assigned responsibilities and attend required competitions and team activities.
Families receive the current practice, build and competition schedule during enrollment.
6. Do team members need robotics experience?
No. Young people do not need previous experience in robotics, engineering or programming to join EagleTron. Team members learn alongside mentors and more experienced teammates. What matters most is a willingness to learn, participate, work with others and contribute to the team.
7. What can team members learn?
EagleTron provides opportunities to explore mechanical systems, electrical systems, engineering, programming, robot driving, strategy, design, communications, fundraising, outreach and leadership. Team members may begin in one area and explore additional roles as their skills and interests develop.
8. What is FIRST Robotics Competition?
FIRST Robotics Competition is a team-based robotics program in which young people work with mentors to design, build, program and compete with a robot created for a new challenge each season. Team members apply technical knowledge while also developing communication, teamwork, leadership, fundraising and community outreach skills.
9. How can organizations and companies support EagleTron?
Companies and organizations can support EagleTron through financial sponsorship, in-kind donations, technical mentorship, employee volunteering and community partnerships. Organizations interested in sponsorship should email info@shieldmentor.org with the subject line “2027 EagleTron Sponsorship” or call/text 336-337-2771.
10. How can an individual or family support the team?
Individuals and families can support EagleTron's 2027 season by participating in the 9-5-5-9 Challenge. Gifts help provide equipment, supplies, technology, competition expenses and hands-on opportunities for young people. SUPPORT THE 9-5-5-9 CHALLENGE:
11. How can I contact EagleTron?
For questions about team enrollment, volunteering, sponsorship or supporting EagleTron, contact the SHIELD Mentor Program by emailing us at info@shieldmentor.org or call/text us at 336-337-2771.
Engineered to Soar. Spreading Robotics Everywhere.
EagleTron FRC Team 9559 is operated by the SHIELD Mentor Program.