Robotics Warehouse Loss from Hurricane Ida

Since 2011, the Robotics Alliance of Mentors and Parents, or RAMP at Bridgewater NJ, has been using the STS warehouse as the base of operations for planning, designing, and building robots for their students. However, due to the damage recently caused by Hurricane Ida, a nearby toxic waste ground flooded into the warehouse, rendering the facility unusable. Millions of dollars worth of machinery, tools, and office equipment accumulated from decades of saving and budgeting have been lost as a result.

STS was a place of comfort and pride for RAMP’s students. Throughout the years, STS became a place where the team members met significant milestones, from learning how to hold a drill to qualifying for the FIRST World Championship. It was also where the team spent months organizing STEAM-focused events for younger students and coordinating the startup of 12 new robotics teams in their district. Not only was it where the students spent 10+ years honing their technical skills and making invaluable memories, but STS was also an anchor for the robotics community. Neighboring rookie teams would occasionally visit the facility for its full sized practice field.

RAMP hopes for the continued support from their community members in order to recuperate their program. The team has become a prominent force in their district, educating young students at local schools, fairs, and parades. Because working at STS is no longer feasible, the team is looking for a permanent space for their students to coordinate a robot build. To do this, they need your help! A new facility would require new machinery, equipment, furniture, tooling, and various other office supplies. By donating, you can help them rebuild their program and continue spreading STEAM education. Thank you!