BEST is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization whose mission is to inspire students to pursue careers in engineering, science, technology, and math (STEM) through participation in a sports-like, science- and engineering-based robotics program.Students participate in a six-week long, fall robotics program experience supported by local industries and organizations who provide mentors – technical professionals and engineers – to help guide the students. Students are the sole participants and primary decision‐makers, designers and builders of a BEST robot. There is no fee for students to participate and the equipment and materials needed for the robotics division of the competition are provided at no cost to the school. Since 1994, BEST Robotics, Inc. (BRI) has engaged over 200,000 middle school and high school students from across the nation. Each year we support nearly 900 teams of an average of 20 students each through the generous support of our volunteers and sponsors. Our program attracts significant numbers of young women (34%) and minorities (41%). By providing our students with a real-world engineering experience that incorporates a practical application of math and science, our students emerge technology literate, are better prepared to enter the workforce, and develop leadership, project management, teamwork and organizational skills. These students will be the STEM professionals of the future.