Support 5485 GorillaBots Make Their Robot Dream a Reality

We are thrilled to share that our community high school FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team, 5485 GorillaBots, made up of students from Corning, Elmira, and Horseheads, NY, has had an incredible season! We earned a coveted spot at the 2025 FIRST World Championship in Houston, TX on April 15-19th and we need your help to get there!

We advanced as part of the winning alliance in the final robot competition at the 2025 Excelsior Regional Championship, partnering with the incredible Team 14903 SharkBots from Mamaroneck, NY. Only 3% out of 8,418 FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics teams in the world make it to the World Championship! We are so honored to be among the top teams from around the world and are grateful to be representing the entire upstate NY Excelsior Region on the global stage!

At Regionals, the GorillaBots was also recognized as one of the most well-rounded and innovative teams, winning the 2nd place Inspire Award — demonstrating excellence in robot design, programming, and performance, while also making a profound impact through STEM outreach to students in our community. Over the past year, our team volunteered 850+ hours, mentoring younger students, spreading STEM in the community, and giving back through initiatives like serving at the local Food Bank.

We are so grateful to everyone who has supported us over the years, helping us get to where we are today. We want to especially thank our primary sponsor Corning Incorporated - we wouldn’t be here without your support!

Now, as we look towards the World Championship, we need your help to make our team’s dream a reality! With 14 students and the team’s coaches/ mentors heading to Houston, we are seeking your support to help cover travel, lodging, and competition expenses. Your support will help us represent our community, inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.

Every contribution—big or small—makes a difference! With your donation, we hope you will be a part of our team’s journey.

Thank you for believing in us and the power of STEM, innovation, and community.

With gratitude,

Team 5485 GorillaBots