The Power of STEM Education: US Aggregates® Sponsors Twin Lakes Robotics

US Aggregates® has been a proud sponsor of the Twin Lakes High School Robotics Club since 2023. The robotics team at Twin Lakes started competing in the FIRST Robotics Competitions back in 2018.   

Every January, the team learns the season’s specific competition theme and then has until March to design, build and program their robots for the season’s unique challenges. Teams of three compete in this three-day event which consists of over 50 matches. Teams scoring enough ranking points move on to the Division Championship. Winning teams from that event are invited to participate in the World Championship.  

The Twin Lakes Fearsome Gears team had an incredible rookie season in 2018, making it to the Division Championship and winning the Rookie All Star Award. The team advanced to Worlds in Detroit where they won the Curie Division Rookie All Star Award. Last year, the Fearsome Gears placed second at the Monticello Lighted Christmas Parade contest with their spinning gear tree build. 

US Aggregates Francesville Operator/Laborer Rodney Scott established the relationship with Twin Lakes Robotics Club. Rodney’s youngest son Oliver Scott is currently in the club, and his oldest son Xavier Scott joined the club when it was founded. Since graduating school, Xavier has followed in his father’s footsteps, joining US Aggregates as a full-time Operator/Laborer at Francesville. Xavier’s journey showcases the power of receiving exposure to STEM early. 

Rodney has enjoyed attending the robotics club meetings and serving as a mentor for Fearsome Gears members. He also was grateful for US Aggregates sponsorship. “It’s awesome that US Aggregates thinks highly enough of their employees to support things they are passionate about outside of work,” shared Rodney.  

The Twin Lakes Robotics club is entirely funded through donations from generous companies, individuals and grants. The program can be very costly to run, with robot build prices ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Add to that the competition fees which can exceed $6,000, and it’s easy to see why these donations and grants are vital for the program’s success.  

Chad Ziemer Lead Program Mentor for Twin Lakes Robotics Club said many FIRST Robotics Competition teams require membership costs, whereas Fearsome Gears runs at no costs to the kids or their families. “It is because of sponsors like US Aggregates we are able to expand the real-world experiences we can provide for students” highlighted Chad. 

Our support of the robotics club is more than sponsorship — it is a commitment to empowering the next generation of STEM leaders. STEM education fosters curiosity, problem-solving and innovation. We are proud of these students who are gaining hands-on experience in coding across multiple languages, working with 3D printers and using tools like saws and mills to bring their ideas to life. 

Your innovation is inspiring, and we couldn’t be prouder to sponsor such a strong group of students. We are cheering you on this year and excited to see how you perform at the season’s games! 

Anthony Treadaway, Chad Ziemer, and Rodney Scott contributed to this article