LIFT Invests in Emerging Talent by Supporting the AzTech Eagles at FIRST Robotics World Championship

LIFT was proud to sponsor the Detroit-based Cesar Chavez Academy High School and its robotics team, the “AzTech Eagles,” as it competed in the FIRST Robotics World Championship in Houston, Texas, from April 16–19.

This global event brought together over 600 student-led robotics teams from around the world to compete in a dynamic challenge designed to promote collaboration, innovation, and STEM learning through inclusive, team-based robotics programs.

Organized by FIRST Robotics (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a nonprofit dedicated to preparing young people (ages 4–18) for the future, the annual competition begins each January with the release of a new game challenge. Teams then have just a few months to design, build, and program a robot capable of completing that season’s task.

For 2025, teams faced Reefscape—a challenge designed to highlight engineering’s role in protecting one of the ocean’s most diverse ecosystems. The AzTech Eagles rose to the occasion, advancing through district and state-level competitions to earn a coveted spot at the world championship. Out of more than 500 teams from Michigan, only 80 are selected—making this an extraordinary achievement for the AzTech Eagles, especially as it marked their first appearance at the world stage since 2019.

LIFT, in partnership with BuildSubmarines, proudly supported the AzTech Eagles, who work out of the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation (DHDC). DHDC provides space and resources to five robotics teams in total and plays a vital role in supporting STEM access and equity through mentorship and fundraising assistance.

Together with our education and workforce development partners, LIFT is committed to fueling interest and opportunity in advanced manufacturing and STEM careers. We extend our deepest congratulations to the AzTech Eagles and all involved—and thank our partners for helping us Drive American Advanced Manufacturing into the Future.