Support the Bettye Davis East Anchorage High FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Program

Intertwined red triangle, white circle, and blue square with the text "FIRST TECH CHALLENGE"
3% Cover the Fee
ThunderBot Bar | Handcrafted Soap ThunderBot Bar | Handcrafted Soap
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ThunderBot Bar | Handcrafted Soap
$10.00
Majestic Mountain | Handcrafted soap Majestic Mountain | Handcrafted soap
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Majestic Mountain | Handcrafted soap
$10.00
Sea Foam Swirl | Handcrafted Soap Sea Foam Swirl | Handcrafted Soap
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Sea Foam Swirl | Handcrafted Soap
$10.00
“FIRST is More Than Robots®. The robots are a vehicle for students to learn important life skills. Kids often come in not knowing what to expect – of the program nor of themselves. They leave, even after the first season, with a vision, with confidence, and with a sense that they can create their own future”
— Dean Kamen

The Positive Impact of FIRST:

  • STEM Engagement and Outcomes: Research indicates that participants are significantly more likely to show increased interest in STEM, with 97% of participants reporting an increased desire to learn more about STEM.

  • Skill Development: Students gain high-level technical and soft skills, with 96% showing greater STEM awareness, 93% gaining mechanical/technical skills, and 95% improving time management.

  • Workforce Readiness: FIRST programs develop critical thinking, resilience, and collaboration skills, with high rates of reported improvement in conflict resolution (93%) and communication (90%).

A robot made of metal parts with wheels, sensors, and electronic components, participating in a robotics competition on a gymnasium floor.
A wooden table with a first-place trophy, a diploma for engineering team, a floral headband, and other papers and objects.

100+

Students Impacted

A group of people in a gymnasium wearing Christmas hats, some holding trophies and a stuffed animal, celebrating winning a tournament.
A robot constructed from metal parts, with a red frame, yellow roller wheels, and a blue circular element. It has a large white label with the number 12656 on the front. The robot appears to be part of a robotics competition or project.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Donations made through this page support a FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics program. Tax deductibility depends on how the donation is made and the organization receiving the funds.

    If donations are processed through a school, school district, or an officially recognized nonprofit organization, they may be tax-deductible. If donations are made directly through AK Elemental Soap or as part of a soap purchase, they are generally not tax-deductible.

    We recommend checking with a tax professional if you have questions about your specific situation. If you need documentation or have questions about how funds are used, please feel free to reach out.

  • All donations directly benefit the BDEAHS FIRST robotics program. The Anchorage School District does not fund the robotics program, so teams are left to independently raise funds.

    Donations directly support our FTC program by helping cover costs such as:

    • Robot parts, motors, sensors, and electronics

    • Laptop Computers

    • Competition registration fees

    • Field elements and practice equipment

    • Team shirts, notebooks, and outreach materials

    • Travel expenses for competitions when applicable

    • Food for team at tournaments.

    Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference.

  • Absolutely! The FIRST robotics program is always looking for volunteers! To learn more information and to register as a volunteer, please visit firstinspires.org.

    🤝 Other Ways to Help

    • Share this page with friends, family, or local businesses

    • Reach out if you’re interested in sponsorships or in-kind donations

    • Contact us to learn more about the team and upcoming competitions

  • Yes! Our robotics program can put many items to use! Please contact our coach via email to discuss potential in-kind donations.

    Items that we always need:

    • Polycarbonate materials

    • Printer

    • 3D filament (PLA, TPU, etc)

    • Laptop computers

    • Mentorship (programming, design)