ICE
Central Iowa's Premier Robotics
Where We Came From
During Fall of 2014, students from the West Des Moines, Waukee, Dowling Catholic, and Des Moines Public Schools were concerned for the future of the FIRST program in Central Iowa. Creating a new FRC team was in order to revive the robotics community. At the end of the 2015-2016 FTC season, eight FTC teams took advantage of this idea to help preserve and strengthen the FIRST program. These teams grouped together and built the foundation for a strong FRC team that could revitalize the FIRST program in the area. In August of 2016, the first meeting was held at Valley High School, led by Engineering Instructor, Dean Lange, and twelve students from the eight FTC teams in attendance. Two months later, FRC team 6419 ICE had grown to over forty members and began preparing for their first competition. ICE obtained three FIRST rookie awards during 2017 and constructed the base for a strong community of learners and mentors. Continuing to grow through the next few years of competition and outreach, ICE Robotics has developed into one of the largest programs in Iowa. We dedicate ourselves to inspire and build up future generations determined for success and to better the world.
Our Mission
Provide ALL students the opportunity to be a part of something special. Robotics is the mechanism we use to bring students, parents, teachers, and mentors together to build skills and relationships to last a lifetime.
Where We Are Going
Our family has plans to continue to expand the FIRST influence among Iowa schools and students by reaching out to the community around us. Our priority is to spread the idea of what it means to be a FIRST and aspiring STEM member in our community. We also leave students equipped with problem solving skills and long lasting relationships that they can take with them for life. They may leave for new adventures but they are always part of the family and are always welcome here.