Congratulations to the Winners of PADT’s FIRST Robotics Grant

TEMPE, Ariz. - Oct. 30, 2014 - PRLog -- Phoenix Analysis & Design Technologies, Inc. (PADT, Inc) the Southwest’s largest provider of simulation, product development, and rapid prototyping services and products, is pleased to announce the winners of PADT’s FIRST Robotics grant program.  PADT has long been a supporter of STEM education, especially in communities where students have a difficult path towards careers in STEM.  This will be the first year that PADT has made grants available to FIRST Robotics teams for assistance with both competition finances as well as assistance with 3D Printing of parts for their robots.

PADT received several applications from a variety of teams across the state of Arizona.  Selection criteria was weighted most heavily on teams that showed a financial need as well as a demonstrated commitment to serving underrepresented populations.  Four grants were awarded:Carl Hayden High School in Phoenix, Westwood High School in Mesa, St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix and Coconino High School in Flagstaff. The winners are being announced, and will receive their checks on Thursday, October 30th at “Celebrating Arizona Manufacturing – The Special Closing Event of the 2014 Arizona Manufacturer’s Month” (Visit http://www.padtinc.com/mmclose to learn more)

Carl Hayden’s Falcon Robotics team #842 is led by team mentor Fredi Lajvardi.  After learning of their award of $750 in cash and $500 in 3D Printing, Fredi stated that "Falcon Robotics is thrilled to receive the PADT Grant! It will go a long way to help us during the 2014-15 season! Thank you PADT for helping us out!"

Also awarded a $750 grant and $500 in 3D Printing was the Westwood High School Robotics Team. Team mentor Scott Blevins was excited about being able to reach more students and said “Westwood robotics is a team that works with the underserved, low income populations of Mesa to inspire a love for engineering, problem solving, science and mathematics. With the generous support of PADT we will be able to serve more students and help them see a broader future than many of them previously knew existed.”

With an award of $1,250 in funds and $750 worth of 3D Printing, the St. Mary High School KnightBots mentor Joe Smeriglio said that the team was “honored to accept, and will be wise with what we have to give student opportunities.”  The hope to be able to continue the outreach with other teams and is excited to assist Grand Canyon University in hosting their first ever regional event.

Top honors were awarded to Coconino High School Robotics team the CocoNuts. When asked about their work, team mentor Susan Garduno said, “FRC Team 2486 ’The CocoNuts‘ are from Coconino High School in Flagstaff, AZ. This will be their 8th season in FRC. We brought FIRST to Northern Arizona, and have had a hand in starting, mentoring, and running events for over 60 teams in all levels of FIRST. The CocoNuts do over 20 outreach events in their region a year. They are the 5-time recipients of the Arizona Regional Chairman's Award, which is the highest honor given at a regional event. The team is grateful to PADT for providing this grant, and for recognizing the important work that FIRST teams do in the community.”  PADT is excited to award the CocoNuts with a grant of $2,500 in cash and $2000 in 3D Printing

In past years PADT has supported a variety of teams and competitions.  Going forward, PADT will focus on supporting FIRST efforts.  Eric Miller, on of PADT’s owners commented “Through the years, we have seen robotics competitions at the high school level inspire students, and many have frankly admitted that without robotics, they would have never even consider a future in STEM. We are very excited to support such these four teams and cannot wait to see what they achieve in this year’s competitions.”  PADT will continue to follow all four teams and will report back on their progress through their company blog. (http://www.padtinc.com/blog).

Phoenix Analysis and Design Technologies, Inc. (PADT) is an engineering service company that focuses on helping customers who develop physical products by providing Numerical Simulation, Product Development, and Rapid Prototyping products and services. PADT’s worldwide reputation for technical excellence and an experienced staff is based on its proven record of building long term win-win partnerships with vendors and customers. Since its establishment in 1994, companies have relied on PADT because “We Make Innovation Work.“  With over 75 employees, PADT services customers from its headquarters at the Arizona State University Research Park in Tempe, Arizona, their Littleton, Colorado office, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and their new office in Murray, Utah, and through staff members located around the country. More information on PADT can be found at http://www.padtinc.com.