When Jason Eng first introduced robotics at Mount Stuart Elementary in Ellensburg, Washington, he wanted to give his students a unique learning experience. Looking back, Eng had no idea that nearly a decade later, he’d lead one of the most accomplished elementary robotics programs in Central Washington.
Now in his 22nd year of teaching and his ninth year coaching VEX Robotics IQ teams, Eng reflects on a journey that’s become both a personal and professional passion. “We’ve qualified for Worlds eight of the past nine years,” he said. “That first year, we barely knew what we were doing, and then one of our teams ended up becoming teamwork champions at State. Suddenly, we were going to Worlds and scrambling to raise funds.”
Since then, Eng has grown into a pillar of the local VEX Robotics community, not only coaching but hosting leagues, organizing events, and mentoring other coaches across the region. This year, he’s expanding his reach even further, co-coaching programs across multiple elementary schools.
Eng’s current team, Team 53065B, the Titanium Tigers, consists of three fifth-grade students: two girls and one boy, who have worked together for several years. “They’re almost on autopilot now,” he said proudly. “They know how to document, they’re constantly improving, and they’ve become leaders.”
Two team members have been together since third grade, with the third joining in fourth grade. Their bond, Eng says, has made them stronger competitors and even stronger mentors. As a STREAM educator in the school’s library, Eng has integrated robotics coding into regular classroom lessons, and his competitive robotics students now help teach their peers.
“What’s powerful is seeing them apply their robotics knowledge outside of the club,” he said. “They’re guiding classmates through code, troubleshooting issues, and showing real leadership.”
After narrowly missing Worlds last year, the Titanium Tigers returned with renewed determination and qualified for the global stage in their final year before middle school. “There’s a fire in them,” Eng said. “They know it’s their last year in elementary school. They want to make it count.”
Eng remains grounded, knowing each trip to Worlds is never guaranteed. “I tell my students every year, this might be your only time. Let’s enjoy it, make memories, and do our best.”
Nine years in, Coach Eng continues to prove that with heart, vision, and relentless dedication, an elementary robotics program can truly transform lives and create a lasting legacy of learning, leadership, and STEM opportunities.
