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Students Showcase Underwater Robotics Prowess at the 2024 International SeaPerch Challenge

This event is an incredible opportunity to see what students of all ages are capable of and how they excel in putting their STEM knowledge and skills to practice with their ROV designs.

Lindsey Groark, Vice President of Programs, RoboNation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Students Showcase Underwater Robotics Prowess at the 2024 International SeaPerch Challenge

COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – RoboNation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering robotics education and workforce development, hosted the International SeaPerch Challenge at the University of Maryland, College Park from May 31 – June 1, 2024. Over 170 teams of elementary, middle and high school student from four continents and 33 states gathered to showcase and test their skills during the annual underwater robotics competition.

Sponsored by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute (OECI), this year’s competition focused on the theme of deep-sea exploration with an emphasis on Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) navigating the challenging environment of hydrothermal vents. In addition, the Office of Naval Research (ONR) continues to serve as a key sponsor of the SeaPerch program throughout the year.  

Students dedicated countless hours over the past year to designing and constructing their ROVs competing first at the regional level to earn an invitation to the International SeaPerch Challenge. This event serves as the culmination of the SeaPerch season, providing an opportunity for students from around the world to connect and learn from each other. This year’s competition represented the top 5% of teams that competed regionally.

Reflecting on the event, Lindsey Groark, Vice President of Programs stated, “The competition was a phenomenal success. This event is an incredible opportunity to see what students of all ages are capable of and how they excel in putting their STEM knowledge and skills to practice with their ROV designs. These students consistently demonstrate impressive teamwork and solution-oriented mindsets that highlight the bright future of technological advancements.

The two-day event  featured a total of 522 pool runs and 71 team presentations, and concluded with the announcement of the champions:

  • Middle School Stock Class Champion: Team Anglerfish | Mayport Costal Sciences Middle School | Jacksonville, FL 
  • High School Stock Class Champion: Aquarius | River City Science Academy | Jacksonville, FL
  • Open Class Champion: Mayport Stingrays | Mayport Costal Sciences Middle School | Jacksonville, FL 

The success of this year’s event underscores the importance of STEM education and the role it plays in preparing students for future careers in science and engineering. 

About RoboNation: 

RoboNation, a nonprofit organization, is on a mission to provide hands-on robotics education, empowering students to tackle global challenges. With a portfolio of nine educational programs spanning K-12 and university levels, RoboNation cultivates the next generation of engineers, manufacturers, fabricators, programmers, and more. Participants in RoboNation programs represent the highly skilled workforce of tomorrow. Learn more at robonation.org.

Media Contact: 


Alicia Gavin
Director of Communications and Marketing, RoboNation
Email: agavin@robonation.org
Phone: 571-455-4156

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