Up the Ratios: Fostering an Inclusive Community
Hi - I’m Aayush Khadse, the legal and financial director and a Coach at Up the Ratios, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting, fostering, and facilitating robotics education in today’s world.Robotics is a thrilling frontier of innovation, with programs like VEX Robotics and the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) offering students hands-on experience in engineering, programming, and teamwork. However, beneath the surface of this exciting world lies a pressing issue — a lack of inclusivity. Gender and racial disparities continue to plague the robotics space, often fueled by financial barriers, systemic discrimination, and unwelcoming environments. But change is not only possible — it’s already happening, thanks to organizations like Up The Ratios.
The Problem: Unequal Access to Robotics
While VEX and FRC inspire thousands of young minds, the playing field is far from level. Many girls and non-binary students face both subtle and overt biases, often being assigned "softer" tasks like scouting or journaling instead of programming or building. This reinforces outdated stereotypes. As a competitor in VEX Robotics, I have seen this firsthand in many competitions. Students of color frequently experience microaggressions or find themselves as the only minority on a team, creating an isolating atmosphere. Many teams are composed of just one gender or race, and women are often subjected to roles that exclude them from hands-on robotics work, reducing their involvement to a subpar level.
Financial barriers further complicate participation, as robotics programs can be expensive. From registration fees to travel costs for competitions, these expenses limit access for students from low-income backgrounds. Time after time, I have seen students eager to join robotics but unable to afford the exorbitant entry fees, which can be in the ballpark of $5,000. Additionally, some teams foster exclusive cultures, perpetuating a “bro culture” that alienates those who don’t fit the traditional mold of a "techie."
These systemic barriers shrink the talent pool and stifle diversity — a loss not only for the students affected but for the entire robotics community. Innovation thrives on varied perspectives and experiences, making inclusivity in STEM a necessity, not just an ideal.
Up The Ratios: Taking Action for Change
Awareness alone isn’t enough; real change requires action. Up The Ratios tackles inequality in VEX and FRC robotics by creating safe, inclusive spaces where all students — regardless of gender or race — feel empowered to thrive. Our initiatives focus on three key areas:
1. Building Inclusive Communities
We foster networks celebrating diversity through mentorship programs, workshops, and events. By connecting marginalized students with role models who have navigated similar challenges, Up The Ratios shows that success in STEM is possible for everyone.
2. Financial Accessibility
Cost should never be a barrier to innovation. We offer grants and sponsorships for teams from underfunded schools, helping to cover registration fees, equipment costs, and travel expenses. Financial support ensures that every aspiring roboticist has a fair chance, no matter their background.
3. Advocacy and Education
Education is at the heart of our mission. Up The Ratios actively educates teams and mentors about unconscious bias and the importance of cultivating an inclusive team culture. We push for accountability, encouraging team leaders to undergo training that equips them with the tools to build supportive, welcoming environments.
Representation also plays a vital role. By spotlighting the achievements of women, non-binary individuals, and students of color in robotics, Up The Ratios normalizes diversity and inspires the next generation of engineers.
How You Can Help
Creating an inclusive robotics community isn’t just the responsibility of organizations — individuals play a crucial role too. Here’s how you can contribute:
Speak Up: If you notice exclusionary behavior on your team, address it. Encourage open dialogue about diversity and inclusion and challenge stereotypes when you encounter them.
Mentor and Support: Offer mentorship to students from marginalized backgrounds or organize inclusive STEM events in your community. These efforts can create ripple effects, making robotics more welcoming for all.
Advocate for Financial Accessibility: Push for sponsorships or fundraising efforts that allow underrepresented students to participate without financial strain. No student should have to choose between their passion for robotics and their family’s financial security.
Get Involved with Up The Ratios: Whether by volunteering, donating, or spreading our message on social media, your support helps sustain and expand our vital work.
The Future of Robotics: A Place for Everyone
Robotics should be a space where creativity knows no boundaries — where innovation is driven by diverse perspectives and where every student, regardless of race or gender, feels like they belong. Thanks to Up The Ratios, this vision is becoming a reality. But the work doesn’t stop here.
Whether you're a student, mentor, or team leader, you have the power to make robotics more inclusive. The question is: How will you help Up The Ratios create a future where everyone has a place in VEX and FRC?
