www.tech-collective.org
Providence, R.I. – Tech Collective, Rhode Island’s Industry Partner for Information Technology and Biosciences, today announces it has received a $16,200 grant from the Champlin Foundations. The grant will fund the purchase and shipping and handling of 17 newly regulated US FIRST Robotics Tech Challenge (FTC) kits and 39 extended “bonus packs” of extra hardware and controllers. The new kits will provide students with enhanced materials and creative opportunities to better align with real-world engineering challenges.
The FTC Challenge is a high school-level robotics competition allowing teams of up ten students to design, build and operate robots in statewide and national competition. The program engages students to explore technology pathways, develop social skills and build a stage for future teamwork and success. The new FTC kits are mandatory for competition and cost $950 each. Realizing reduced school budgets, FIRST has waived 50% of the kit costs. The Champlin Foundations grant will finance the remaining expenses.
Last year, 36 high school teams competed in the FTC Challenge, with four earning their way to the World Championship competition in Atlanta. This year’s event is expected to host 39 teams in the competition.
“The FTC Challenge is a dynamic opportunity to engage students in critical collaboration, technical and soft skill development,”
Tech Collective, along with the New England Institute of Technology, is the FTC affiliate partner, coordinating fundraising, mentorship and logistical efforts around the annual event. For more information about the Champlin Foundations grant, to register your school for the FIRST US Robotics Tech Challenge, or to become a mentor or volunteer for a local team, contact Jo Ann Johnson at (401) 521-7805 x103 or jjohnson@tech-
About the Champlin Foundations:
The Champlin Foundations are private foundations which make direct grants to tax exempt organizations, substantially all in Rhode Island, mostly for capital needs. Capital needs may consist of equipment, construction, renovations, the purchase of real property and reduction of mortgage indebtedness.
One important goal is to fund tax exempt organizations within Rhode Island that will have the greatest impact on the broadest possible segment of the population. Another important goal is to provide "hands on" equipment and facilities for those being served by these tax-exempt organizations. To learn more about the Foundations, visit http://foundationcenter.org/
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, the not‐for‐profit organization hosts the FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST Tech Challenge for high‐school students, the FIRST LEGO(R) League for children 9‐14 years old, and the Junior FIRST LEGO League for 6 to 9 year olds. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
