Bechtel sponsored five teams that competed in the 2013 For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Competition (FRC) in St. Louis, Mo. last month. The teams were among 400 teams from around the world qualified to compete in the event, with the teams being highly trained in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
The teams included the following:
- Hardin Valley Academy, Knoxville, Tenn.
- James Madison High School, Vienna, Va.
- Lowell High School, San Francisco, Calif.
- Loyola High School, Montreal, Quebec
- Oak Ridge High School, Oak Ridge, Tenn.
“As a global engineering company, we continuously looks for ways to engage students in STEM and, at the same time, provide opportunities for our colleagues to volunteer in the communities where they work. FRC allows us to do both,” said Charlene Wheeless, global manager of Corporate Affairs at Bechtel. “FRC is a smart and creative program that sparks passion in the next generation of engineers. We are thrilled to be a part of it.”
The event features robots designed and built by students. Leading up to the event, teams participated in regional competitions to qualify for FRC in early March and April of this year. Loyola made it to the top five teams, and John Charlton, Special Projects Manager at Loyola High School, said that the school has been competing in the event for the last 15 years because of the positive affect it has on the students.
“The knowledge transfer from mentor to student is a unique aspect of FIRST Robotics, and the program could simply not exist without support from sponsors like Bechtel,” said Charlton. “The experienced mentors and funding they provide are invaluable, enabling our team to compete in these major events across North America.”
Toss Cline, technology teacher of top-five team James Madison High School, commented and said students are indeed having a positive experience competing in the event. “For 13 years I have led the Madison Robotics team and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how the FIRST program inspires students and gives them practical experience solving engineering problems.”
Cline added, “Many of these students go on to pursue a career in a STEM-related field. This program would not be possible without the help of our sponsors.”
