On Feb. 26 Lawrence Technological University (LTU) generously donated $1000 to the girls robotics team, “Botmasterz.” The financial support from LTU will go directly toward the team’s immediate needs, particularly their upcoming competition Mar. 1.
The team, led by coach Sherri Betcher, was thrilled to receive this funding especially since LTU significantly reduced its sponsorship program this year.
“We are extremely grateful and proud to be sponsored by LTU,” Sherri Betcher said. “It’s rare they’re only sponsoring five teams this year, so we’re very lucky to have made the cut. This is our third year receiving their support, and we couldn’t be more thankful.”
The sponsorship is relatively significant for Ally Betcher ’27.
“The sponsorship means everything because robotics is very expensive,” Ally Betcher said. “Our swerve drive set is let alone $3,000. This funding helps so much with costs for food, parts, and travel to competitions. It’s amazing to have LTU recognize and support us.”
Ally Betcher also expressed excitement about the growing number of girls joining Botmasterz.
“This year we doubled the number of girls on our team,” Ally Betcher said. “For the past two years, there were only three girls, including myself. Now we have six which is a big deal for us.”
When the team first learned that LTU was continuing to sponsor them, their reaction was a mix of excitement and shock.
“We were in disbelief,” Ally Betcher said. “When we found out that LTU was cutting their sponsorship program we were not sure if we’d make it. When we found out, it was amazing.”
LTU’s support extends beyond just financial assistance, it also represents encouragement for young women pursuing STEM careers. Hedi Morano, an LTU representative present at the check presentation, emphasized the importance of fostering interest in STEM fields at an early age.
“I think encouraging females to partake in STEM activities is critical at this age because they don’t often get to see women in these roles,” Morano said. “Anything we can do at the collegiate level to help support High School and Middle School students is really important.”
Morano, who studied engineering at the University of Michigan, shared her own experiences as the only woman in her program.
“There was one professor who would return my exams by just calling out, “the girl”, Morano said. “That was a long time ago, but even today there’s still a gender gap in STEM.”
Sherri Betcher also highlighted the ongoing challenges women face in these fields.
“Only about 27 percent of STEM careers are held by women, and there’s still a gender pay gap,” Sherri Betcher said. “There’s still a lot of unconscious bias that tells girls STEM isn’t for them, and we need to change that. That’s why our team is all about inspiring younger generations to dream big and break down those barriers.”
