The African-Canadian Christian Network (ACCN) is proud to announce that Umoja Robotics, the Toronto-based first Black robotics youth team to enter a First Robotics competition in Canada, made history in Niagara Falls this past weekend. The team captured the Ontario Provincial Championship, as part of a winning alliance with OP Robotics and Simbotics, competing with 100 of the province’s top robotics teams.
Their prize? A coveted spot at the FIRST Robotics Canada World Championship in Houston, Texas.
The victory doesn’t end there. Team member Matthew Rundassa has been selected to be a recipient of the prestigious FIRST Leadership Award, one of only three students selected province wide. He now advances to the world stage and is eligible for global recognition among the most outstanding student leaders in robotics.
“This win represents more than a trophy,” said Cherryl Lewis, Lead Mentor and Executive Director of ACCN. “It reflects years of dedication, resilience, and community power. Our students have worked tirelessly—and we are incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved, on and off the competition field.”
Built for Breakthrough In 2018, ACCN, a Toronto-registered charity, founded Umoja Robotics to close the achievement gap for Black youth by expanding access to STEM Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The results speak volumes: 100% high school graduation rate among participants ·100% pursue post-secondary education · 90% enter STEM-related fields. Beyond competition, the team emphasizes mentorship, leadership, and community engagement, equipping students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
“When the MC made the announced for our team to receive our award, I realized this moment wasn’t just about winning, it was about every late night coding, every failed mechanism we rebuilt, and every mentor who refused to give up on us,” said one student. “This experience matters because kids who look like me don’t always get to see themselves on the world stage. Going to Houston says: we belong here. It proves that our community’s hard work, creativity, and brilliance can compete with anyone and win.”
The Next Frontier: Houston April 29th – May 2nd Now, the team faces a new challenge: raising $50,000 to compete on the global stage. The World Championship is a life-changing experience, offering students a chance to collaborate with peers worldwide and showcase their innovation at the highest levels.
How you can help: Umoja Robotics is seeking community partners, sponsors, and supporters. Contributions go directly toward registration, travel, accommodation, and transporting their robot to Houston.
Please Donate Today. Join this winning team on its journey. Be a part of the “village”. Donations receive receipts for income tax purposes.
Donation Link: https://lnkd.in/gHVKF_Sk