Our Story
We are the Thunderbots, FRC Team 7657 from Evansville, Indiana. After years of competing in FIRST Robotics, we began to notice how difficult it can be for many teams to find the funding, mentorship, and organizational support they need to thrive.
We asked ourselves: What if there was a way to help every team in Southern Indiana succeed, not just our own?
That question sparked the idea for the SWIFT Alliance — a brand-new initiative we are launching to make sure no team feels like they are facing the season alone.
Turning Vision into Action
SWIFT is just getting started, and we’re excited about what lies ahead. Through SWIFT, we will:
• Support FRC, FTC, and FLL teams with funding, mentorship, and resources
• Volunteer at local FIRST events to strengthen programs and support other teams and leagues in the area
• Help bring greater attention to FIRST Robotics throughout Southern Indiana
• Ensure robotics is accessible to all, including underserved and neurodivergent students
• Uphold and model the core values of FIRST, including Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition®
• Build a stronger, more connected community of teams across Southern Indiana
We are proud to launch the SWIFT Alliance, and we can’t wait to grow this vision into a lasting source of support for all teams in our region.
Collaboration and Support
We shared our idea with other teams, mentors, and FIRST Indiana Robotics, who encouraged us and helped shape the vision. Together, we began building the foundation for a regional support organization that will serve all FIRST programs — FRC, FTC, and FLL alike.
For years, we’ve received generous support from TOYOTA, New Tech Institute High School (our home), and the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation. Starting SWIFT is our way of giving back — paying forward the support we’ve been given by extending resources, mentorship, and opportunities to more students and schools across our region.
