Hawikku Robotics Team
The Hawikku Robotics Team is the Pueblo of Zuni’s homegrown FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team, providing Zuni high school students with hands-on experience in engineering, coding, fabrication, teamwork, and leadership—rooted in Indigenous values and powered by modern technology.
Competing as Team Hawikku (11465), students design, build, and program industrial-scale robots to compete on a global stage while learning real-world STEM, project management, and problem-solving skills. The program is open to students of all experience levels—no prior robotics background required.
2026 FIRST Robotics Competition REBUILT
For the 2026 season, Team Hawikku will compete in REBUILT℠, the official FIRST Robotics Competition game presented by Haas. The challenge centers on rapid design, strategic thinking, and collaboration under real engineering constraints—mirroring how professional engineers and innovators work in the real world.
Students participate in the full FRC lifecycle:
- Mechanical design & fabrication
- Electrical systems & controls
- Programming & automation
- Strategy, scouting, and data analysis
- Team leadership, fundraising, and communications
This experience prepares students for careers in engineering, clean energy, robotics, aerospace, manufacturing, and computer science—while strengthening confidence, discipline, and teamwork.
Indigenous-Led Partnerships in STEM
Hawikku Robotics is proud to partner with R4 Creating, led by George Gorospe (Laguna Pueblo) and the NASA-connected Indigenous robotics community. This partnership brings culturally aligned mentorship, advanced robotics expertise, and exposure to national STEM pathways—including aerospace and space-science careers.
Through R4 Creating, students gain:
- Indigenous STEM mentorship and role models
- Exposure to NASA-inspired robotics and engineering pathways
- Opportunities to connect with Native students and teams across the Southwest
- Reinforcement that Indigenous identity and scientific excellence go hand in hand
Robotics at the Hawikku Solar Community Hub
Team Hawikku is based at the Hawikku Solar Community Hub, a solar-powered learning and innovation space that connects robotics to clean energy, sustainability, and community resilience. Students don’t just build robots—they see how engineering, energy systems, and technology intersect in their own community.
Who Can Join
- Zuni high school students (grades 9–12)
- No prior robotics or engineering experience required
- Materials and core program costs covered
- Fundraising support provided for travel and competitions
A recruitment flyer for Team Hawikku Robotics and the 2026 season kickoff is available and actively used to invite students into the program
