BAE Systems is sponsoring the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Championship competition at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta April 17-19. It is also sponsoring 23 of the teams participating in this event.
The FIRST Championship features nearly 350 high school-level teams from across the United States and around the world in a two-day challenge that encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology and engineering. The event is open to the public at no charge.
“We’re thrilled to have the support of BAE Systems,” said FIRST president Paul Gudonis. “Company engineers mentor FIRST teams, employees volunteer at FIRST events, and the company’s senior leaders are deeply committed to FIRST. BAE Systems is truly a model partner for FIRST.”
BAE Systems contributes more than $1 million annually to FIRST through donations of money, resources and employee volunteering, making the company the largest corporate sponsor of the FIRST Robotics Competition. During the 2007-2008 FIRST season, BAE Systems directly supported 65 teams located near company sites in 13 states and the District of Columbia. BAE Systems also sponsored seven of the 41 regional competitions culminating in the FIRST Championship.
“FIRST is a tremendous organization that makes math and science fun for students through teamwork and friendly competition. Our strategic partnership with FIRST represents an investment in the future high-tech workforce,” said Walt Havenstein, president and chief executive officer of BAE Systems and a member of FIRST’s board of directors. “I am convinced that this investment is good for our company and our countries, and we remain committed to inspiring these young people toward careers in science and technology.”
Since 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. Judging criteria emphasize the quickness and capability of the robots and the skill and cooperation of the teams.
The 23 BAE Systems-sponsored teams attending the FIRST Championship are:
- Eastlake High School – Chula Vista, Calif.
- Monta Vista High School – Cupertino, Calif.
- The Girl Scouts – Moffett Field, Calif.
- Leland High School – San Jose, Calif.
- MetroED & SIATech – San Jose, Calif.
- West Covina High School – West Covina, Calif.
- Waiakea High School – Hilo, Hawaii
- Honoka’a High School – Honoka’a, Hawaii
- McKinley High School – Honolulu, Hawaii
- Radford High School – Honolulu, Hawaii
- Sacred Hearts Academy – Honolulu, Hawaii
- Waialua High School – Waialua, Hawaii
- Souhegan High School – Amherst, N.H.
- Pinkerton Academy – Derry, N.H.
- Greater Nashua Area High Schools – Merrimack, N.H.
- Nashua High School – Nashua, N.H.
- Pembroke Academy – Pembroke, N.H.
- Bay Shore High School – Bay Shore, N.Y.
- Union-Endicott High School – Endicott, N.Y.
- Wissahickon High School – Ambler, Pa.
- Palisades High School – Kintnersville, Pa.
- Liberal Arts & Science Academy High School – Austin, Texas
- Battlefield High School – Haymarket, Va.
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, N.H., 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 £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.
