At Warren High School, the Warbots Robotics Team represents far more than a club—it’s a thriving community of innovators, builders, and leaders. Each year, the Warbots compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), where students design, build, and program a 125-pound robot to complete complex challenges on an international stage. The process combines technology, teamwork, and creativity, giving students authentic, hands-on experience in engineering, programming, business, and leadership while keeping the journey engaging and fun.
To see what being a Warbot is all about, check out our highlight video here!
The Warbots program reflects a complete robotics pathway that begins long before high school. In elementary school, students are introduced to robotics through engaging, hands-on activities that teach the basics of building and coding small robots. These early experiences spark curiosity, confidence, and collaboration—the same qualities that define a Warbot. To nurture this excitement, our high school team mentors and supports all of our feeder schools, visiting classrooms and hosting workshops that give younger students a glimpse into the possibilities of engineering and robotics.
As students move into middle school, many join competitive robotics programs such as VEX at Griffiths or Stauffer Middle School, where they begin designing and building their own robots for tournaments. These programs are the most common entry point to becoming a future Warbot. High school team members regularly mentor these middle school students, providing technical support and encouragement while helping them prepare for competitions. This connection creates a natural bridge between the middle school VEX programs and the high school FRC team.
Join the Warren Warbots!
Students who want to take the next step can also get involved through our Warbots Summer Bridge Program, which accepts applications each May. The program introduces new students to the fundamentals of robotics, giving them hands-on experience in programming, design, manufacturing, and teamwork. In addition to the bridge program, the Warbots share recruitment opportunities and updates through their Instagram page, @warrenwarbots, where students can learn about tryouts, open houses, and upcoming events. Whether through VEX, social media outreach, or the summer bridge experience, there are multiple paths to becoming part of the Warbots family.
Once students officially join the Warbots, they find themselves immersed in a professional, fast-paced engineering environment that mirrors the real world. The team operates much like a small company, with specialized subteams that handle every stage of robot creation—from brainstorming and design to manufacturing, programming, and business operations. The Design Team uses Onshape CAD software to create precise digital models of the robot, collaborating closely with the Strategy Team to develop mechanisms that meet each season’s unique challenges. Once designs are finalized, the Manufacturing Team brings them to life using mills, lathes, CNC machines, and 3D printers, crafting high-performance components with precision and care. The Assembly Team then integrates these parts, wiring, and systems into a fully functional robot, working alongside the Controls Team, which programs the software that brings the robot to life. Behind the scenes, the Business Operations Team handles outreach, branding, fundraising, and sponsorships—ensuring that the Warbots remain sustainable and visible within the community.
Ready, Set, Build: The Upcoming Season
Each competition season is an intense blend of design iteration, problem-solving, and teamwork. During events, the Drive Team operates the robot in live matches, supported by the Scouting Team, which collects performance data on other teams, and the Pit Crew, which performs quick repairs and maintenance between matches. Every student plays a vital role, and together they embody the precision, collaboration, and spirit of innovation that FRC is known for.
Since their founding in May 2023, the Warbots have quickly made their mark on the regional and national stage. In just two seasons, they have earned five tournament victories and eight awards, demonstrating not only technical excellence but also strong teamwork and community spirit. Their success extends beyond competition—100% of Warbots alumni have gone on to pursue STEM-related degrees or careers, attending universities such as Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal State Long Beach, and Purdue University. One graduate has even gone on to mentor another FRC team and establish an FTC program, continuing the legacy of leadership and mentorship that defines the Warbots.
At the heart of the Warbots’ success is their unwavering commitment to mentorship and community outreach. Team members dedicate time each year to visit local elementary and middle schools, mentoring younger robotics teams, helping them troubleshoot, and inspiring them to see themselves as future engineers and innovators. Many Warbots discovered their own passion for robotics through these same outreach efforts, creating a powerful cycle of inspiration and giving back.
As the team looks toward the upcoming season, the Warbots remain focused on growth, innovation, and impact. They continue to refine their designs, expand their outreach, and inspire students across the Downey community to pursue STEM with confidence and curiosity. Supported by dedicated mentors from Aerospace Corporation, the U.S. Space Force, Relativity Space, Raytheon, and Boeing, the Warbots are deeply connected to industry professionals who bring real-world expertise and mentorship to every season. What began as a new robotics team has quickly evolved into a lasting legacy of mentorship, creativity, and excellence—and the Warbots are just getting started.
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