At IPCO, we talk a lot about what we build: power systems, process controls, water treatment infrastructure. But equally important to us is who we’re helping build. Because the future of our industry isn’t just about equipment and tools, it’s about people. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the ROBOTZ Garage, a FIRST Robotics team based in South Carolina. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an international program that prepares young people for careers in STEM through hands on challenges in engineering, coding, and teamwork culminating in competitive high energy robotics events.
The Garage is a place where high school students design, build, wire, and code their own robots, and where they learn what it means to be a part of something bigger than themselves. For IPCO, supporting this program isn’t just a sponsorship, it’s a natural extension of our company values: hard work, curiosity, humility, and growth. During the holidays, it’s especially meaningful to highlight a partnership that gives back in such a lasting way.
Building Robots and Confidence
Coleman Alexander, a 10th grader and the team’s Robot Design Lead, describes ROBOTZ Garage as a welcoming space where everyone can learn. “I first got interested because I love building things and figuring out how they work,” he says. “When I heard about ROBOTZ Garage, it sounded like the perfect mix of engineering, creativity, and teamwork, so I joined, and I’ve been hooked ever since.”
His favorite experience? Late nights in the shop during competition season, solving problems and watching the robot come to life. “Seeing everything come together on the field is always the best feeling.”
Like many team members, Coleman has gained more than just technical know-how. “I’ve learned CAD basics, hands on building, wiring, communication, and problem solving under pressure. But I’ve also grown by being around people who know different parts of robotics. It’s a team effort.
From a Spinning Tree to a Parade Float
This December, IPCO and the ROBOTZ Garage teamed up for a community holiday parade. The float featured the JV team’s robot, “Finn,” along with a spinning tree designed by the students to light up the crowd. It was a fun challenge, and a chance for the team to show off their creativity and build something outside the competition circuit.
Coleman helped lead the design. “Once we started brainstorming, everyone threw out fun suggestions. The hardest part was getting everything built and decorated on a tight schedule, but we pulled it off.”
Real Skills. Real Opportunities
While the robots are undeniably cool, what’s most impressive is what the students walk away with: confidence, problem solving skills, and hands on experience in the kind of work IPCO does every day.
“I keep telling local businesses, ‘You’re going to want to hire our team members one day!” says one longtime ROBOTZ Garage mentor, Rob Sheffield. “Give these students a platform, and they’ll exceed even your highest expectations.”
We couldn’t agree more.
At IPCO, we believe in investing in tools and technologies that make our team’s jobs easier, but we also believe in investing in people. Whether it’s new hires, tenured employees, or future talent still in high school, we want to help people discover their potential and rise to the occasion.
So this holiday season, as we reflect on the year and look ahead to the next, we’re grateful for partners like ROBOTZ Garage who remind us that the best gifts don’t always come in a box, they come in the form of growth, mentorship, and a new generation ready to roll up their sleeves and build what’s next.
