When Eric McVay joined FutureForward, he set out to learn engineering through robotics. What followed was a journey that took him from the shop floor to the World Championship stage, and eventually to two of Georgia’s most competitive opportunities for young engineers.
As Lead Mechanical Engineer on his FTC team, Eric turned ideas into real, working systems. He gained deep hands-on experience across a range of manufacturing technologies: CNC machining, laser cutting, lathing, and multiple forms of 3D printing, all while designing and building competition-ready robot systems. That technical foundation, combined with the pressure of competition deadlines and the need to iterate quickly, shaped him into a confident, resourceful engineer.
His team’s hard work paid off on the competitive side as well. They qualified for a Premier Event and ultimately reached the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship, a milestone that required both technical excellence and strong teamwork under pressure.
The skills Eric built at FutureForward opened doors beyond robotics. He earned acceptance into the highly competitive Georgia Governor’s Honors Program and secured a summer internship at the Georgia Tech Research Institute, where he continues to build skills that translate directly to real-world engineering.
From a parent’s perspective, the transformation was just as striking. Eric’s mother, Amelia McVay, noted that the mentors genuinely care about each student’s growth, creating an environment where students are encouraged to take initiative, collaborate, and lead. Beyond the technical knowledge, Eric grew tremendously in confidence, leadership ability, and public speaking skills.
“Future Forward has given me incredible opportunities to grow as an engineer through robotics,” Eric said. The fully equipped makerspace, dedicated mentors, and competitive environment gave him a foundation that most students simply do not have access to at the high school level.