The Whitacre College of Engineering Robotics Program hosts the West Texas Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology BEST robotics competition for middle school and high school students annually every Fall. School participation is free and any school is eligible to participate regardless of socioeconomic status, size, or location. The majority of materials necessary for participation are provided for teams free of charge. Teams have six weeks from the unveiling of the competition theme to develop a robot that will successfully complete the challenge assigned for that year. Since its start more than a decade ago, thousands of students have been able to explore different fields of engineering, engage in hands-on STEM activities, receive mentoring, and acquire the knowledge, skills, and practices of STEM disciplines needed for future success.