Finger Lakes Area High School Robotics Teams Kick Off 2008 Season

FIRST Robotics will begin the 2008 season with a kickoff event at 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 5 in the Erdle Commons of the James E. Gleason Building on the Rochester Institute of Technology campus.

The annual kickoff event provides the opportunity for all Finger Lakes area FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) teams to gather for a live broadcast, outlining the objectives and rules for this year’s robotics game. The teams will also receive starter kits containing the necessary components for their 2008 robot.

Founded by world-renowned inventor Dean Kamen, FIRST aims to inspire youths to pursue studies and careers in science, technology and engineering.

“The FIRST program is a fun and intense experience that allows students to gain valuable skills while working in a team environment,” says Ron Borden, chair of the FIRST Finger Lakes Regional Competition. “The relationship between FIRST and many top employers also provides an important opportunity for students to network and decide if they’d like to pursue a technology related career.”

Students will spend the next two months building and perfecting their robots with adult mentors. Students from six states and Canada, representing nearly 40 high schools, will then participate at this year’s Finger Lakes Regional Competition, March 7 and 8 at RIT.

To learn more about FIRST, visit the FIRST Rochester Web site at http://www.firstrochester.org.