This past weekend marked more than just the beginning of a new competition season—it was a powerful reminder of what happens when young people are given the tools, mentorship, and space to innovate.
Twelve teams from the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation (DHDC) entered their first competitions of the 2026 season, participating in two events and representing the strength, creativity, and determination of Southwest Detroit youth. For many of these students, this was not just a competition—it was an opportunity to apply months of learning, problem-solving, and teamwork in a real-world setting. 
At the Wayne State event, the impact of that preparation was clear. Eight out of ten DHDC teams advanced to the playoffs, and half of the alliance captains were DHDC teams—an extraordinary reflection of leadership and technical excellence. In total, our teams earned seven awards, including two of the top three honors of the entire event.
Behind these achievements are stories of growth, resilience, and discovery.
Teams like Under Currents (Team 4838) from River Rouge demonstrated both skill and leadership, finishing ranked 4th and earning the Quality Award. Southwest Sparks (Team 11490) from WAY Academy not only ranked 6th but also earned the Rookie All-Star Award and secured a spot at the Michigan State Championship—an incredible milestone in their journey.
Code Gold (Team 8352) from MLK showcased top-tier performance, finishing 2nd overall and earning both the Innovation and Control Award and a place as Event Finalists. Meanwhile, Kinematic Wolves (Team 5577) from Detroit Cristo Rey embodied the spirit of community impact, earning the prestigious Impact Award—the highest honor of the event—and qualifying for the State Championship.
Additional recognition went to Tech Tigers (Team 7196) for the Industrial Design Award and AzTech Eagles (Team 4680) for the Team Spirit Award, highlighting the diverse strengths across all our teams.
These accomplishments are not just about rankings or trophies. They represent the confidence built when a student solves a complex problem, the teamwork required to overcome challenges, and the vision that begins to take shape when young people see themselves as engineers, innovators, and leaders.
At DHDC, robotics is more than a program—it is a pathway. A pathway to STEM careers, to higher education, and to a future where our youth are not only participants in the economy, but drivers of it.
As the season continues, our teams will return to competition in the coming weeks, building on this momentum and continuing to grow.
To learn more about the upcoming events, click here.
We invite you to follow their journey, attend upcoming competitions, and be part of the community that continues to support and uplift the next generation of Detroit’s innovators.
Follow the RECD on Instagram and Facebook, also DHDC’s TikTok, and YouTube for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and event announcements.
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