BERWYN, PA — A fast-growing robotics program in Berwyn is taking an ambitious step to expand youth leadership in STEM fields with the launch of Venturing Crew 9189, a new Scouting unit chartered through Keystone STEM Alliance, Inc. The initiative, introduced Thursday, pairs the technical focus of FIRST Robotics Competition Team 10989 “Blast Robotics” with Scouting America’s long-standing leadership and service model.
Keystone STEM Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to hands-on STEM education, collaborated with the Chester County Council, Scouting America, to formally establish the Crew. The partnership creates a student-led platform where young people can advance engineering skills while developing project management and leadership abilities central to Scouting’s mission.
The move follows months of rapid growth for the Blast Robotics program, which has earned local recognition for strong competition performances and expanding student involvement. Through the new Crew, members will guide their own activities, set goals, and manage team initiatives — blending Scouting’s youth-led structure with FIRST’s emphasis on problem-solving and practical learning.
“Robotics teaches innovation, engineering, and grit,” said founding Crew member Virat Ponugoti. “Scouting builds leadership, resilience, and teamwork. Together, we are not just learning — we are building a movement where students lead, explore, and inspire others.”
Venturing Crew 9189 will offer students experience in leadership, STEM-focused awards, outdoor team-building programs, mentorship from industry professionals, and opportunities to participate in regional and national Scouting and FIRST events. Advisors and leaders from both organizations emphasized that the goal is to develop well-rounded young innovators capable of contributing to both technology fields and their broader communities.
“This is not just about building better robots,” said Crew Advisor Naresh Gupta Maddi of Keystone STEM Alliance. “It is about developing innovators with integrity and purpose. Scouting’s leadership structure fits naturally with robotics, and together they prepare youth to lead in the real world.”
The charter ceremony drew support from Chester County Council leadership, including Director of Field Operations Robert Graves and Vice President of Program Initiatives Gary Schroeder, underscoring the Council’s commitment to expanding opportunities in STEM-based Scouting programs.
Founded in 2025, Keystone STEM Alliance is based in Berwyn and operates a community robotics workshop at 15 Waterloo Avenue. The organization currently supports more than 30 high school students on Blast Robotics and aims to serve over 200 students across the Main Line within the next two years as it builds a pathway connecting FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge, and FIRST Robotics Competition programs.
Venturing Crew 9189 is open to youth ages 14 to 20 interested in robotics, engineering, leadership, or Scouting. No prior Scouting experience is required. More information is available at www.keystonestemai.org.
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