The STEM Bridge Center was founded by the members of FTC Team #21229 Quality Control, a World Champion and two-time World Innovate Award-winning robotics team. Our passion for STEM was matched by a firsthand understanding of the critical challenges facing community-based teams.

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Our initial observations pointed to significant hurdles: a lack of affordable and functional workspace, inconsistent access to essential tools, and an inefficient, fragmented mentorship network that hindered the sustainable growth of teams.

To validate these observations, we launched a two-year community analysis initiative. Conversations with dozens of local teams, combined with registration data, revealed a community of over 200 FLL and FTC teams across the Eastside (including Bellevue, Redmond, and Kirkland) that lacked foundational support. We consolidated this research into a formal report, "An Analysis of the FIRST / FTC Program as a Future Talent Incubator," which became the blueprint for our mission.​

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From a Shared Need to a Community Solution

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The conclusion was clear: it was time to move beyond individual team success and build a shared solution. The STEM Bridge Center was born from this data-driven vision.

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Our goal is twofold: to become an integral part of the regional FIRST® ecosystem, contributing to its growth and vibrancy, while also serving as a powerful supplement to traditional STEM education—filling the gaps where project-based learning and industry mentorship can make the biggest difference.

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We are here to build the bridge to the future for the next generation of STEM leaders.

Our Mission​

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Our mission is to serve as both an integral part of the FIRST® ecosystem and a powerful supplement to traditional STEM education. We provide a central community hub with the space, mentorship, and resources needed to empower the next generation of well-rounded innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers.

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Our Vision

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We envision a vibrant and collaborative local ecosystem where every young person is empowered to transform their curiosity into impact. Our vision is for this community to be recognized as an incubator of future-ready STEM leaders, known not only for their technical skills but for their profound sense of social responsibility and their drive to build a better world.

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Our Core Value

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• Leadership: We don't just teach skills; we cultivate the confidence and integrity to lead.

• Collaboration: We believe breakthroughs happen when we work together. We are a hub for connection.

• Innovation: We empower students to move from ideas to prototypes, from problems to real-world solutions.

• Global Vision: We prepare students to be global citizens, encouraging them to understand diverse perspectives and apply their skills to challenges that transcend borders.

• Community & Social Responsibility: We use our STEM skills to give back, strengthening the community that supports us.

• Accessibility & Inclusivity: We are committed to breaking down financial and social barriers, making high-quality STEM education available to all.​