Robotics Team
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The United States is losing its competitive advantage to countries that place a higher value on education, particularly in the technical fields. In 2005, South Korea graduated almost as many engineers as the United States. China and India graduated vastly more. We are not creating a workforce capable of filling our need for high-tech employees.
Part of the solution: Project C Squared has joined with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) to form the Outer Limit (Okaloosa United Team for Engineering and Robotics - Limitless in Mind and Innovative Technology) Robotics Team 1999.
FIRST is a 501(C) (3) not-for-profit charity with a mission to motivate young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math. The FIRST Robotics Competition is a high-energy program that teams high school students with professional scientists and engineers to solve a complex engineering design problem in an intense and competitive way. During a six week period beginning in January, students design, build, and test their robot, and then ship it to one of 43 regional competitions throughout the United States and Canada. The program shows students that the technological fields offer many opportunities, and that the basic concepts of science, technology, engineering and invention are exciting and interesting. FIRST has proven to be a life-changing, career molding experience and a lot of fun.
Team 1999 was formed two years ago at Fort Walton Beach High School. Last year, the team expanded to include students from Choctawhatchee and Niceville High Schools, the Collegiate High School and the Rocky Bayou Christian School. These five high schools (rivals in many other respects) developed a great relationship as they assisted each other in solving the technical and logistical challenges of the competition. Working together in a spirit of gracious professionalism is a central theme of FIRST. Last year, team 1999 had 36 students and 6 mentors. They attended the Peachtree Regional Competition in Atlanta, Ga. For 2009, the team plans to return to the Peachtree Regional, and to also attend the Championship, which is held at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
We feel robotics is an innovative way to play a leading role in building technological literacy, as well as giving students a strong background in marketing, finance, and project management.
Please see our team application for more information. Refer to www.roboticsboosters.com/tnt/schedule.html for information on our trip to Tempest 'N' Tampa practice competition October 24 - 25, 2008.
Available for download: Robotics Team Application