Build cool robots and be part of an awesome team
Join the Robotics Club—no experience needed! Whether you’re into tech, design, or just curious, we’ll teach you everything you need to know. It’s a fun way to meet people, learn new skills, and maybe even compete in some exciting challenges!
Join Today
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education, in partnership with the X-Academy, is thrilled to announce the return of a free, countywide robotics club. We are thrilled to share that our team has won third place in the MATE ROV World Championships two years in a row.
Recruitment occurs during the month of September, and interested students are invited to register now or attend an upcoming open house. Open house Attendees will have the chance to meet with the club facilitators and experience live demonstrations of underwater robots.
2025-26 Robotics Clubs Starting in September!
Come check us out at our two upcoming Open Houses!
Saturday, September 6th from 1;00-4:00 in Watsonville at Sequoia High School, 226 Green Valley Rd
Sunday, September 7th from 1:00-4:00 in Santa Cruz at X Academy Maker Space, 229 Encinal St
Club Meetings Start September 27th and 28th 2025
Watsonville Club meets Saturdays 1–4pm
229 Green Valley Rd.
Santa Cruz Club meets Sundays 1–4pm
229 Encinial St.
View & share our flyer with family and friends!
Why Robotics?
AI, Robotics and automation are transforming industries across the globe. By exposing students to robotics at an early age, we equip them with the skills needed to thrive in the future job market. They develop problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, creativity, and technical skills that are highly sought after in fields such as engineering, computer science, manufacturing, healthcare, and more.
Learn college and career readiness skills and work with like-minded peers and mentors!
Student Information
Club Meetings start on September 27th and 28th 2025
Watsonville meetings Saturdays from 1–4pm at Sequoia High School, 229 Green Valley Rd, Freedom, CA 95019
Santa Cruz meetings Sundays from 1–4pm at X Academy Maker Space, 229 Encinal St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Club members will design the ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) using Fusion 360. Design activities include:
Electronics assembly
Writing software
Building test devices
Learning about buoyancy
Learning how to manage a team
Marketing & entrepreneurship skills
Club members will use a laser cutter to build a watertight box for the electronics out of acrylic, and a 3D printer to create parts for the ROV
Each club member will have a role on one of three engineering teams: hardware, software and testing
Everyone also has a business role so they can hone entrepreneurial skills
All club members will have the opportunity to compete in the 2026MATE ROV regional competition
No previous experience required! We’ll provide all training and equipment
Have questions or need additional information? Email robotics@santacruzcoe.org or call Tim at 408-334-1700. Para español, por favor llame Barbara at 831-334-1703.
Mentor Information
Sign up to be a mentor and support one of our robotics teams! Our clubs will have the opportunity to competing in the MATE Underwater Robotics Competition. Each year 100s of teams from around the world build ROVs to complete a set of tasks that simulate real world ROVs – searching for ship wrecks, surveying and repairing coral reefs, maintaining underwater power lines and supporting aqua culture.
Experience not required – just bring your growth mindset and encouraging attitude! This year we are also looking for mentors with experience in; marketing, finance, and skill development.
Mentors and volunteers will be required to obtain fingerprint clearance and other student safety requirements. There will be a Mentor Orientation on September 9th.
What You can Expect to Learn and Create With Us
- How to be on a team and collaborate
Coding- Python
Laser cutting
Engineering design
Marketing: website, blog, graphic design
Digital and social media
Entrepreneurship- and all the other aspects of a managing a startup company
– marketing– communications– team leadership– project management– fundraising and finance– software, mechanical and electrical engineering.Leadership in a team environment
Building your resume for college applications and career advancement