02 Feb 2009 | Ref. 018/2009
ROCKVILLE, Maryland – BAE Systems is doubling its annual support of the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics competition by increasing contributions of money, employee volunteering, and other resources to more than $2.2 million for the 2009 season. FIRST encourages high school students to pursue careers in engineering by promoting the importance of math, science and technology.
During the 2009 season, BAE Systems will sponsor more than 145 of the 1,686 competing FIRST teams and provide direct support to 106 teams in 19 states and the District of Columbia. By increasing its level of support as a “Strategic Partner” of FIRST, BAE Systems is investing in America’s future high-tech workforce.
“The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is a wonderful opportunity for young people around the world to get excited about math and do so within a culture that promotes ‘gracious professionalism’ among all participants,” said Walt Havenstein, president and chief executive officer of BAE Systems, Inc. “These kids are America’s future engineers and innovators, and I tell them that this is the only high school sport where every participant can ‘go professional’.”
“BAE Systems’ increased investment and support of FIRST is a powerful statement about the importance and value of developing the workforce of the future,” said Paul R. Gudonis, FIRST president. “Inspiring young people to develop the skills and knowledge needed to tackle the world issues that are upon us could not be more important. With supporters like BAE Systems, we are able to reach and include greater numbers of students to participate in FIRST programs.”
This season, students participating in the FRC will build robots to compete in a game called “Lunacy”™ using relevant tools and problem-solving techniques to achieve realistic engineering goals. To see a video of what the robots will need to do in that game, please visit http://robotics.nasa.gov/events/2009_frcwebcasts.php courtesy of NASA.
The company is also sponsoring 13 of the 40 regional FIRST competitions around the U.S. between January and March, culminating in the FRC Championship in Atlanta in April. A complete list of the teams sponsored is available from BAE Systems upon request.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defense and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 100,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.
For further information, please contact:
Greg Caires, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 703 907 8261 Mobile: +1 703 967 8630
greg.caires@baesystems.com
Shannon Smith, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 703 907 8257 Mobile: +1 703 967 8634
shannon.n.smith@baesystems.com
