Rockwell Collins recognizes the value of forming positive relationships with students who will become the next generation of engineers and innovators. That is why they are teaming up with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) to dramatically increase FIRST LEGO League (FLL) and FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) teams throughout Iowa and across the nation.
FIRST is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that was founded by inventor Dean Kamen in 1989. FIRST gives students the opportunity to develop the "muscle between the ears" and to gain experiences that will affect their future. Students who participate in FIRST use and reflect Gracious Professionalism, get real-world application of STEM concepts and participate in an atmosphere that encourages team building, entrepreneurship and sportsmanship.
Funding for a limited number of FLL and FTC teams in Iowa will be available through Rockwell Collins FIRST grants through August 31, 2009. The grants place a special emphasis on teams that have not participated in the past, teams that include minority students and females and teams from schools with a high percentage of students on free and reduced lunch programs. Funding levels will vary and may include amounts to cover the cost of the robot kit, registration, field setup kit or a combination of items.
FLL teams are comprised of students in grades 4-8 and FRC is designed for high school students. Teams typically include 10 students, a coach and an engineering mentor.
Information and Rockwell Collins grant application is available at: http://www.rockwellcollins.com/about/community/engineering-experiences/first-grants/index.html
Information about FIRST programs is available at:
http://www.usfirst.org
Information about FLL in Iowa is available at:
http://www.isek.iastate.edu/
Information about FTC in Iowa is available at:
http://k-12.engineering.uiowa.edu/FTC-GeneralInfo.php
