THE HOME OF SARNIA-LAMBTON’S COMPETITVE ROBOTICS TEAM!
Mixed Métal is a community‑based robotics team serving the Sarnia‑Lambton region, where access to STEM opportunities has historically been limited. Our team was created to change that reality. We unite students from multiple schools, diverse backgrounds, and both official languages of our region. Our bilingual name, Mixed Métal, reflects this identity—“métal” in French symbolizes our commitment to building a robotics community that is inclusive, collaborative, and representative of the culture around us. In addition, the full identity “mixed métal” symbolizes bringing together a broad community to build a stronger and more resilient team, like the alloying of metals.
OUR STORY
Before Covid-19, the Sarnia-Lambton community was flourishing with all types of different STEM youth programs, from elementary-aged students all the way to high school. But after the pandemic, almost all of the STEM programs in the area shut down, including all of the high school FRC (First Robotics Canada) teams. Noticing the lack of these programs after Covid-19 and the fading of STEM in the younger generation, Mastermind Youth Foundation and a handful of local students banded together to create Mixed Métal. A stronger and more resilient robotics team that is capable of remaining sustainable during the challenges that may be thrown their way. The team is managed by high school and elementary-aged students from all different backgrounds.
FORGED IN RESILIENCE DOCUMENTARY
In the charming border city of Sarnia, Ontario, a group of ambitious and talented students have breathed new life into a once-devastated high school robotics program. By forming a community-driven FIRST Robotics team, they’ve not only rebuilt but reimagined what’s possible. Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Mixed Métal’s 2025 Rookie FRC season and uncover the innovative minds and relentless determination that power this extraordinary team.
OUR FLL, FTC and FRC TEAMS
OUTREACH INTIATIVES
Our team mentors six other FIRST LEGO League community teams each year, supporting approximately 30 students. We train coaches, provide curriculum, host scrimmages, and guide teams through the full FLL season. To further expand access, Mixed Métal runs March Break and summer LEGO robotics camps, reaching hundreds of families. Our March Break and Summer camps has a 400‑family mailing list, demonstrating the community’s demand for STEM opportunities. We operate six weeks of summer camps and a full week of March Break programming, using these camps to identify students who show interest and potential for FIRST programs. These camps are intentionally inclusive, welcoming students of all backgrounds and abilities.
OTHER TEAMS WE SUPPORT!
Our dedicated coaches and passionate students actively provide support and resources to other FRC and FTC teams throughout southwestern Ontario, fostering a collaborative and enriching community.
Partners & Sponsors
Partnerships are essential to our sustainability. Mixed Métal is supported by the Mastermind Youth Foundation, which provides organizational support and helps us reach families across the region. Our head sponsor, Imperial Oil, discovered our team after we won the Rookie All‑Star Award at the 2025 Waterloo Qualifier. Media coverage from that event brought attention to our mission, and Imperial Oil reached out to sponsor us. Their $50,000 contribution allowed us to build a safe, fully equipped robotics lab—an investment that transformed our ability to serve the community. We also maintain relationships with several smaller sponsors who contribute between $500 and $5,000, and we honor each one through recognition events, branding, and community engagement.
Mixed Métal promotes STEM for everyone by removing barriers to participation through a partnership with Suncor, with the STEM Access Fund. As a community‑based team, we welcome students from any school, including homeschools. Our bilingual identity ensures that both English‑ and French‑speaking families feel represented. Our programs are affordable, and we provide subsidy, equipment, mentorship, and transportation support when needed. We intentionally recruit students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring that robotics is accessible to all.
Sponsors
Canadian Tire Forest
Princess Auto Sarnia
