Design & Build
Engineer a real robot
Students design, prototype, machine, build, and program a competition robot in sub-teams for mechanical, electrical, and software engineering.
Tampa Bay, FL · 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Building tomorrow's engineers, one robot at a time.
Robotics Technical Education Foundation supports FIRST® Team 79 Krunch — an award-winning team of local high-school students who design, build, and compete with real robots.
2021Founded
501(c)(3)Tax-exempt nonprofit
90%+Pursue STEM careers
100%Of gifts fund the team
Team 79 KrunchFIRST® Robotics · Oldsmar, FL
Our Mission
Why RTEF exists
Robotics Technical Education Foundation, Inc. (RTEF) is a non-profit Florida corporation founded in 2021, approved for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. We were created for a single purpose: to support FIRST® Team 79 Krunch, an award-winning competitive robotics team of local high-school students, professional mentors, and volunteers in our community.
The Program
From a blank sheet to the competition floor
Every season, students take a robot from concept to competition — learning real engineering, teamwork, and problem-solving along the way.
Compete
Take it to the field
Teams meet at high-energy FIRST® Robotics Competition events to solve a fresh engineering challenge against the clock — under real constraints and deadlines.
Learn & Grow
Launch a STEM future
Mentored by working engineers, students build skills that last — and over 90% go on to pursue a STEM career.
Our Impact
Built by students, powered by community
2021Founded as a Florida 501(c)(3)
1 teamFIRST® Team 79 Krunch, fully supported
90%+Of members pursue STEM careers
100%Of donations go directly to the team
Support Us
Help fund the next season
The team runs on roughly $40,000 a year — tools, parts, travel, safety gear, and a trailer to haul the robot to competitions. 100% of every gift goes directly to the students. Donate online, or mail a check; every contribution makes a difference.