14 Mar 2008 | Ref. 093/2008
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland – BAE Systems is sponsoring the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition Chesapeake Regional at the United States Naval Academy here today and tomorrow, tied to encouraging students to pursue careers in science, technology and engineering.
The event features more than 60 teams competing and testing the quickness and capability of the robots, as well as the skill and cooperation of the teams, during a two-day progressive elimination tournament March 14-15. The event is open to the public.
The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) provides students around the globe with the opportunity and means to enhance their science and engineering skills, while motivating them to pursue a future in these fields. BAE Systems has announced it will invest more than $1 million annually through donations of money, resources, and employee volunteers. This level of commitment makes BAE Systems a “Strategic Partner” to FIRST and the largest corporate contributor to FRC.
“This is the result of months of exciting collaboration between students, university partners, businesses, and corporations from our communities,” said FIRST Regional Director, Pattie Cook. “They are coming together with these students and with the robots they have been working on for months, and you’re going to see all of the excitement, the innovation, and the thrill of making something happen on the arena floor,” Cook added.
“FIRST provides students with hands-on experience that prepares them to take on important roles in our future workforce,” said Dr. Marshall Banker, president of BAE Systems’ Customer Solutions. “The skills these students are developing by managing their projects will serve them well as they continue their educational pursuits and ultimately join the workforce in the important fields of science, technology and engineering.”
Since the kickoff in January, students have worked with community volunteer mentors to build robots that will compete in three-team alliances. These robots are designed to race around an oval track, push or carry large balls around the track, and pass the balls over or under a 6-foot-6-inch overpass. Robots may be programmed for autonomous movement and operated by radio control.
BAE Systems has supported FIRST since the early 1990s, shortly after the nonprofit organization was founded by inventor Dean Kamen. BAE Systems also will fund team grants and college scholarships for FIRST students attending select universities across the United States. Of the more than 1500 teams participating nationwide in the 2008 season, BAE Systems will directly support up to 60 teams located near company sites in 12 states, including Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. The company is also sponsoring seven of 41 regional events, as well as the FIRST Robotics Championship, to be held April 17-19 in Atlanta.
About FIRST
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, NH, FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology and engineering. With the support of many of the world’s most well-known companies and scientific societies, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) and the FIRST Tech Challenge for high-school students, FIRST LEGO League for children 9-to-14 years old, and Junior FIRST LEGO League for 6-to-9 year-olds. For more information, visit www.usFIRST.org.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defense and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 97,500 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded $31.4 billion in 2007.
For further information, please contact:
Herb Muktarian, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 703 907 8281 Mobile: +1 703 638 2529
herb.muktarian@baesystems.com
Cheryl Mendonsa, FIRST
Tel: + 1 202 997 5284
cmendonsa@techvision21.com
Shannon Smith, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 703 907 8257 Mobile: +1 703 967 3854
shannon.n.smith@baesystems.com
