Northern Force Robotics, also known as Team 172, is a FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC) team based in Southern Maine serving Gorham, Falmouth, and the surrounding school districts for over two decades. Many students from Gorham High School have been involved with this team over the years. This year they are involved in a special project to promote and mentor young students in the fields of STEM and robotics.

In a demonstration of STEM education and community engagement, Northern Force Team 172 has taken the lead in guiding over 20 5th- to 8th-grade students from the state of Maine through the journey of the FIRST LEGO League Challenge. Each Saturday morning, these students assemble at the STEM Coliseum and Learning Center at the Maine Mall where they are mentored by members of Team 172 to design, build, code, and compete for a chance to represent Maine at the national championships. Later, the students will participate in the STEM Coliseums, Maine FIRST LEGO League Sumo Challenge, and other local competitions.

The goals of the program are to mentor excellence in innovation and learning, to inspire middle school students, and to build a sense of community. Each Saturday these goals are on full display. Northern Force Team 172 is igniting a passion for STEM, but also nurturing Maine’s future technological leaders.

The team is coached by Clare and Meredith Greenlaw and supported by local professionals mentoring students in the coding, AI, electronics, engineering, and precision manufacturing industries. The team is known for its innovative robot designs and a commitment to developing leadership skills among its members and was the General Motors Industrial Design and Engineering Award winner at this past year’s New England Championships.