Southern Virginia Robotics (SOVAR) is an alliance of FIRST robotics teams across Southern Virginia. The goals of the alliance are to share resources, build camaraderie, and encourage the growth of K-12 robotics programs in our region.
SOVAR specifically promotes participation in FIRST Robotics. FIRST stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. FIRST is an international non-profit mentoring organization that promotes a vision for students to become leaders in science and technology.
SOVAR is an initiative supported by a partnership between Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation (MBC) and the Southside Virginia Regional Technology Consortium (SVRTC). Since 2000, SVRTC’s Senior Technology Engineer, Bill Wilson, has provided consulting, programming sessions, and traveled to divisions and competitions for FIRST robotics events. In 2012, SVRTC partnered with MBC to increase support for robotics in Southern Virginia. Through this partnership, MBC established a sponsorship program for new and existing FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) teams. In 2018, MBC expanded its support to include a sponsorship program for FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) teams. Learn more >