MANCHESTER, N.H. – May 15, 2007 – FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition
of Science and Technology) and Microsoft Corp. announced a new FIRST Robotics
Competition Seattle regional event for 2008. The regional competition will be sponsored by
Microsoft. Activities are underway to form a planning committee; recruit teams, volunteers
and sponsors; and determine the competition date and venue.
“By sponsoring a new regional event in Seattle, Microsoft is building on its
long-standing support of the FIRST mission to increase opportunities for young
people to pursue careers in science and technology,” said Paul Gudonis, president of
FIRST. “This commitment establishes a new level of relationship between Microsoft and
FIRST, as we join efforts to produce the next generation of scientists and
engineers who will develop cutting-edge technologies, produce competitive products, and
meet the challenges of the future.”
“Microsoft is honored to sponsor the Seattle regional event in 2008,” said Tandy
Trower, general manager of the Microsoft Robotics Group. “We see robotics as a key driving
force in inspiring students about engineering and computer science. FIRST gives
everyone the access to technology and encourages teamwork, innovation and imagination.”
The Seattle regional event will be one of 41 regional competitions that will lead up to
the 2008 FIRST Championship at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, April 17–19.
The FIRST Robotics Competition is an annual competition that helps students
discover the rewards and excitement of science, engineering and technology. Over 32,500
high-school students in seven countries participated in the 2007 competition. Working with
mentors, students have just six weeks to design, build and test their robots to meet the
season’s engineering challenge. Once these inventors create the robot, their teams
participate in regional competitions that measure the effectiveness of each robot, the
power of collaboration, and the determination of students.
Since its beginning, FIRST has had a positive impact on students and academic
communities. FRC participants are eligible to receive over $8 million in scholarships from
some of the finest science and engineering schools in the country. Research has shown that
FIRST students’ attitudes about science, math, teamwork and the working world
significantly improved after participating. The students’ self image also improved,
particularly in minority groups. In addition, interest in internship and employment
opportunities with sponsoring companies increased. FIRST is supported by a strong
network of sponsors that provide funding, mentorship time, talent, volunteerism, equipment
and more.
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 Vex Challenge for high-school
students, the FIRST LEGO 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.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software,
services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
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