Local high school robotics teams gathered to teach community members about inspiring program
PITTSBURGH – Over 70 community members and four high-tech robots attended the Pittsburgh FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Open House event, held October 20th at the Pittsburgh Technology Council.
The Pittsburgh FIRST Open House, which included robotics demonstrations and engaging speakers, emphasized the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education on the future of the United States. Regional Director Patricia DePra provided an overview of the FIRST program, and Ben Jobe, student at Penn State Greater Allegheny (McKeesport) and former team member, spoke about how the program has opened doors for him.
“FIRST has a proven track record of inspiring young people to pursue careers in science and engineering. These skills are desperately needed in order for our workforce to compete and excel in the future,” said Patricia DePra, FIRST Regional Director for Western Pennsylvania. “I am thrilled that so many community members were able to attend this event and support our future science and technology leaders.”
High school FIRST teams from across the Pittsburgh region and beyond were represented at the event. Event participants included:
- Team 1743 – City Charter High School (Pittsburgh, PA)
- Team 1708 – McKeesport Area High School & Technology Center (McKeesport, PA)
- Team 2051 – A.W. Beattie Career Center
- Team 2618 – Shadyside Academy (Pittsburgh, PA)
- Team 2641 – Central Catholic High School (Pittsburgh, PA)
- Team 2656 – Gateway High School (Monroeville, PA)
- Team 3504 – An all-girls team from 10 different high schools* (Pittsburgh, PA)
- Team 3567 – United High School (Armagh, PA)
- Team 306 – Corry High School (Corry, PA)
Additional area teams include Team 3260, Sarah Heinz House, and Team 3062, St. Joseph High School in Natrona Heights. Anyone interested in starting a team should contact Patricia DePra.
About FIRST®
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from three out of every five Fortune 500 companies and $14 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC® ) and FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC®) for high-school students, FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL®) for 9 to 14-year-olds, (9 to 16-year-olds outside the U.S. and Canada) and Junior FIRST® LEGO® League (Jr.FLLTM) for 6 to 9-year-olds. Gracious ProfessionalismTM is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community.
CONTACT:
Patricia DePra
(412) 512-4302
pdepra@usfirst.org
