Team 1148 is the official FRC team of Harvard-Westlake School.
We are made up of 51 students united through our common love of robotics. Founded in 2003, Team 1148 operated for 13 years until it was replaced by a Vex Robotics Competition team at our high school. That Vex team went on to win the California State Championship 4 times, and won the World Championship in 2015 and 2021. While our middle school is still competing in Vex Robotics, the high school was looking for a further challenge, and in 2022, we decided to restart 1148 and bring the same successes we had in Vex Robotics to FIRST Robotics Competition. We are excited to have returned to the competitive sphere to compete in the 2022 off-season, 2023 season, and beyond!
Because everyone on the previous (2016) team has graduated, our team now consists of students completely new to FRC, learning together through our skilled mentors. Now, both our mentors and our team leaders teach newer team members the essential skills they need to succeed. We also continue to maintain our middle school VEX robotics program to give young students a passion for robotics, ensuring our team’s sustainability and longevity in the future.
At 1148, we believe that the success of a team depends heavily upon the connections that each member has to another. The small moments that we share – laughing together on long car trips, celebratory laser tag, bonding over lunch – are as vital to the success of our team as the hours spent poring over our robot. Teamwork carries more value than just the overall success and enjoyment of the team, however. Learning how to develop strong bonds with teammates and coaches prepares members to work in the professional industry, where teamwork is essential to almost every activity.
Team 1148 also takes immense pride in our diverse and inclusive community. With students from various backgrounds, we celebrate individuality while promoting mutual respect. Our team serves as a melting pot of ideas, experiences, and perspectives, fostering creativity and empathy in approaching challenges.
Beyond the realm of competition, our team’s mission extends to shaping future STEM professionals and cultivating a welcoming space for all. We aim to inspire and empower the next generation, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to succeed. By fostering a love for STEM disciplines and creating an inclusive community, we ensure that every member feels valued, encouraged, and motivated to unleash their full potential.
At tournaments, you’ll see us on the field in our signature black jackets and red pants, roared up and ready to compete!