The Team 597 Wolverines were first established in 2001 by math teacher, Mr. D. Newhouse, and technology teacher, Ms. L. Beebe. Aware of the limited options for students in South Central Los Angeles, the founding mentors implemented FIRST robotics to bring more hands-on activities that required students to apply math, science, engineering, and technology concepts into real-world situations. Starting with about six students, two teachers, one college-student mentor, and two volunteers, the team has now grown to forty students, three teachers, eight 597-alumni college mentors, two college mentors, and five engineering mentors.

Continuing to carry-out the commitment and spirit of the original, Mr. D. Newhouse, the last original mentor, is as committed to motivating the students as the day when he first started the team.

Evolving for a small team to a growing family, Team 597 continues to impact the lives of is students and its community