Robotics

The NIHF STEM High School Robotics Team stands as one of Akron Public Schools’ most decorated programs, consistently proving itself among Ohio’s elite. Competing in the VEX Robotics circuit, NIHF STEM’s teams routinely rank among the top in the state—most recently, Team 60883W captured the Ohio State Championship title, forming a winning alliance with Brecksville-Broadview Heights’ Team 2011D to clinch the tournament crown from a field of over 400 teams statewide.​

Coached by Sam Appleby and Mike Palumbo, the program blends rigorous engineering, programming, and teamwork, preparing students for global competition. Several NIHF STEM teams advance annually to the VEX World Championships in Dallas, showcasing the innovation and technical excellence that define Akron’s College & Career Academies.​

The program’s success is also powered by community partnerships—most notably with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, which provides mentorship, professional development, and real-world design collaboration. This partnership has helped elevate NIHF STEM’s robotics program to repeated championship status and created pathways for students to explore future STEM careers.​

Back at home, the school annually hosts an invitational robotics tournament, where students test their designs against top competitors from across Northeast Ohio, reinforcing the collaborative, hands-on learning that defines NIHF STEM High.​