Rogue Robotics, FIRST^® Robotics Competition Team 2987 from Farmington, Minnesota, seized an opportunity to use the technical, problem solving, and community engagement skills they’re learning through FIRST to bring joy and accessibility to a local family. The students built a power wheelchair for Cillian, a two-year-old born with a genetic condition that makes mobility difficult. The team, whose story went viral in places like NBC Nightly News and the New York Times, is one of many in the FIRST community building adaptable ride-on cars for local kids – being a force for change to many families for whom accessible technology is typically out of reach. Watch their story below.

“These kids, they don’t know the lives that they’re changing.” –Krissy, Cillian’s mom

“I really appreciate what FIRST^® does to encourage taking what you know and what you’re capable of, and using that to make your community a better place.” –Spencer, team coach