The MN School Board Association Convention happens every January. In 2019, our team was invited as a ‘School of Excellence’. We were given a 12x12 booth and brought our robot to talk to the attendees about robotics. For 3 consecutive years we were invited back.

Booth. Robot. Conversation. Repeat. At this point 3102 needed to make a splash and be more. In January 2023, with the support of our conference and school, 3102 organized and led a full-field presence at the MSBA Convention with 5 FRC teams. For 3 days, students networked with the leaders of our educational system and gave them insight into the world of high school robotics. That October, we were surprised to be invited to the 2024 conference for the full field display once again. 

After a well received event, we were asked to author an article for the MSBA Journal issue, “What is Right With Public Schools”. The article titled, ‘Nurturing Tomorrow's Innovators’, was amazing. Additionally, our team was showcased on the cover of this journal, which was sent to every school board member and superintendent in MN. Approximately 2500 people saw our smiling, robot loving faces! As a bonus, we were asked to return in 2025. 

This year gave 3102 and 5 teams the opportunity to show that every child can grow in technology and soft skills, regardless of geographic, economic, and cultural backgrounds. We have promoted and expanded the program through our MN school systems with this outreach. Talk about making a splash with valuable communication!