FIRST Tech Challenge Opportunities and Urban Community Coalition Advances Robotics in South Africa
Urban Community Coalition Advances Robotics and FIRST Tech Challenge Opportunities in South Africa
Dr. Krystal T. Morris leads efforts connecting Soweto and Eastern Cape learners with STEAM, higher education, and future careers
GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA — Urban Community Coalition, under the leadership of Founder and CEO Dr. Krystal T. Morris, is advancing a growing initiative to expand robotics and STEAM access for schools in Soweto and the Eastern Cape while supporting the development of a FIRST Tech Challenge league rooted in local schools.
The initiative is designed to do more than teach students how to build and program robots. It uses robotics as an entry point into teamwork, problem-solving, engineering, confidence, entrepreneurship, higher education, and future careers.
UCC is working with education and robotics partners to identify participating schools, strengthen teacher engagement, build sustainable team structures, and connect Eastern Cape learners with the broader FIRST community. Parallel outreach aims to create new robotics opportunities for schools in Soweto.
“Young people cannot choose opportunities they have never been allowed to see,” Morris said. “Robotics gives learners a practical way to experience themselves as builders, innovators, problem-solvers, and future leaders.”
The effort also complements the proposed Future Forward College and Career Fair, which would connect learners with universities, colleges, training providers, employers, entrepreneurs, and technology pathways. UCC is seeking aligned school, education, technology, university, corporate, and community partners to help expand access and ensure the work remains sustainable.
About Dr. Krystal T. Morris
Dr. Krystal T. Morris is Founder and CEO of Urban Community Coalition, Owner and CEO of STEAM Kids Education/Robotics, an established author, and Organizer and License Holder of TEDxSummerstrand. Her 22+ years in education inform community and innovation initiatives connecting the United States and South Africa.
