Firewheel STEM Institute
(formerly Si Se Puede Foundation)
Firewheel STEM Institute, formerly known as the Si Se Puede Foundation, is a nonprofit STEM education organization based in Chandler, Arizona that recently rebranded to better reflect its evolving identity and community impact. While the name Firewheel evokes the resilience and vibrant growth associated with the firewheel flower, a symbol often tied to the Phoenix area’s natural heritage, the brand refresh underscores the institute’s commitment to igniting curiosity and innovation in students who might not otherwise have access to high-quality STEM opportunities.
At its core, the mission of Firewheel STEM Institute is to bridge the STEM divide by providing hands-on, experiential learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to underserved youth across the region. The organization strives to empower students with real-world technical skills, such as robotics, advanced manufacturing, 3D printing, and engineering design, while also nurturing professional and leadership competencies that prepare them for success in the 21st-century workforce. This mission underscores a deep commitment to breaking down socioeconomic and demographic barriers so that every student has a clear path to STEM fluency and future career success.
Central to Firewheel’s impact is its STEM Center, a dedicated facility in Chandler that serves as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and hands-on learning. The center houses manufacturing equipment, 3D printers, CAD workstations, robotics bays, and classroom spaces where students can explore, create, and compete. Beyond serving its own teams, the center supports Arizona robotics teams and community members by offering access to tools and spaces they might not find elsewhere, fostering a vibrant ecosystem where young people build confidence and competence in STEM disciplines.
For more information, please visit www.firewheel.org.
National Underwater Robotics Challenge
The National Underwater Robotics Challenge is an underwater ROV competition that emphasizes real-world hands-on activities that motivate students to take on tough challenges in a fun and exciting way. Teams compete in one of four categories: Pre-High School, High School, University, and Adult. The goal of the various levels is to encourage vertical articulation, or collaboration and communication, between the levels to stimulate the teams to be the best they can be. Teams can choose from several levels of kits to build their ROV or build one on their own. The event is webcast live and takes place at night to simulate the dark depths of the ocean!