HONOLULU — (BUSINESS WIRE) — March 24, 2011 — BAE Systems has committed $160,000, along with volunteers and team mentors, to sponsor and support the 2011 FIRST Robotics Competition Hawaii Regional, held this Friday and Saturday at the University of Hawaii’s Stan Sheriff Center.
The FIRST Robotics Competition is an annual event that helps inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators. High school students from across the nation and around the world design and build robots to compete in a fast-paced, sports-like challenge called LOGO MOTION™. Teams vie with their robots at regional competitions for a chance to participate in the FIRST National Championships, to be held April 28-30 in St. Louis, Missouri.
“We are happy to once again support the FIRST organization in Hawaii,” said David Herr, president of BAE Systems Support Solutions. “As one of the largest employers in the state, we value FIRST as an excellent way to generate interest and excitement in science and technology. It’s all about encouraging students to pursue careers in engineering and similar fields, while also ensuring the future workforce of America.”
Nationwide, as a Strategic Partner of FIRST, BAE Systems has committed to providing a total of $1.79 million in 2011, sponsoring 170 FIRST teams and 12 FIRST regional competitions, including Hawaii’s. The company also funds team grants and college scholarships for FIRST students.
“On behalf of the Robotics Organizing Committee (ROC) and the Friends of Hawaii Robotics (FHR), we salute BAE Systems and greatly appreciate their funding and mentoring support,” the FHR Board of Directors said in a statement. “BAE Systems and ROC have grown the Hawaii FIRST Robotics Competition to be one of the favorite and most respected major competitions for all teams. Together, we form a strong partnership to promote STEM education and robotics in our local schools.
“With more than 400 Hawaii teams participating in robotics, Hawaii is a national leader in comprehensive robotics involvement. All best wishes to the FIRST teams as they compete under the banner of ‘gracious professionalism.’” The FHR Board members are: Brian Bennet, Kippen de Alba Chu, Alan Hayashi, Lenny Klompus and Ken Marcus.
For more information about the FIRST Robotics Competition Hawaii Regional, visit www.hawaiiroc.org. For more information about FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), visit www.usfirst.org.
BAE Systems Support Solutions provides a range of services to meet needs in readiness and sustainment and operational support across the land, aviation, maritime and C4ISR domains, supporting the U.S. Department of Defense and federal agencies. Support Solutions is also a leading non-nuclear ship repair, modernization and conversion company, serving the U.S. Navy and other maritime customers.
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