Student participants range from grades 9 – 12.
Local Robotics Team 4414: HighTide was recently showcased as a part of SessaMfg’s celebration of 42 years in business. Guests got a close look at the HighTide Robotics Lab, talked with team members and learned about this STEM program. Michael Sessa addressed the crowd and congratulated the award-winning team. He said, “Having the Team 4414 lab within the company has been a win-win collaboration … the team has access to a manufacturing facility and our company SessaMfg. has tremendously gained by our student summer paid internship opportunities that potentially lead to future employment.”
Team 4414: HighTide is an industry-based robotics team. Student participants range from grades 9 – 12 and attend school at Buena, Foothill, El Camino or Ventura High. The team provides a hands-on learning atmosphere and opportunities to compete through FIRST Robotics. Mentor Jonathan Sessa said, “Students on HighTide are trained by industry professionals on computer aided design, CNC manufacturing, and software programming. These skills are then put to the test when the team constructs a new robot every year in 6 weeks to compete against other teams worldwide.”
COVID brought many teams to a halt and some folded, however HighTide continued to hone their skills, enhance their robots and recruit new team members.
During the showcase celebration, 17-year-old Anshul Bajaj announced a new venture hosted by the team~ Tidal Tumble, an off-season robotics competition for FIRST Robotics teams. “After two cancelled seasons, I wanted to bring a competition opportunity to Southern California, to inspire and engage students,” said Bajaj, Event Director. “We are bringing students from all around California to compete here in Ventura October 15-17.” Bajaj believes that off seasons are a great way for younger team members to try their hand at competition, accelerate their learning and get more involved.
This year, due to Covid-19, the event is not open to public spectators. The team is currently seeking FIRST Robotics teams to participate as well as volunteers and sponsors.
Tidal Tumble is generously sponsored by: SessaMfg, FASTSIGNS of Ventura, Kearney Family, Narayan Family, Shew Family, Taylor Family, and Wulff Family.
For more information: tidaltumble.com.
