FCA Foundation boosts Ontario robotics teams

The FCA Foundation has announced a major boost to Ontario’s robotics education sector.

The foundation has awarded more than US$65,000 in grants to 13 Ontario robotics teams and programs. The grants, US$5,000 per team, will help students from the 13 high schools offset the costs, such as registration fees, parts and materials and team apparel associated with competing in STEM-building FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) programs.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology.

“The long-standing commitment and engagement FCA has with FIRST is embodied by the dedication of our employees who give generously of their time and skills to help mentor students and serve as competition coordinators,” said Lesley Slavitt, Head of Civic Engagement, FCA US LLC and CEO of the FCA Foundation. “It is a continuing privilege to ensure their hard work and steadfast contributions support and further positive outcomes for youth in our communities.”

FCA US employs more than 11,000 people in Ontario.

Under strict rules, limited resources and an intense six-week time limit, FRC teams (25+ members, grades 9-12) are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult game against like-minded competitors.

Inventor and FIRST Founder Dean Kamen launched the 2017 FIRST Robotics Competition season. Photo courtesy of FIRST.

The 2017 FRC season challenge, FIRST STEAMWORKSSM, was launched on Saturday, January 7, 2017, which also kicked off the official start of the design and build season.

Teams attended “local” kickoff events had the opportunity to compare notes, get ideas, make friends, find mentoring teams, learn the game, pick up the Kickoff Kit from the Kit of Parts and get ready for the competition season.

Both the FRC and FTC programs will conclude their respective seasons with FIRST Championships in April.

“The real-world experience that students gain through their participation in FIRST programs is invaluable in preparing students for the future,” said Phil Jansen, Head of Product Development, FCA – North America. “We are proud to partner with an organization that taps into such formidable minds and encourages deeper levels of ingenuity.”

Here are a list of the award recipients:

 
www.firstinspires.org

www.fcanorthamerica.com