Every year, America falls further behind in the technology race. Countries like China graduate more than 250,000 engineers a year, while the US graduates only 70,000. In an effort to promote the development of the skills necessary in today’s technology workplace, the NCTC has announced the availability of the Tech Challenge Grant.

This grant will fund the creation of FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Teams at two high schools in the NCTC service area, to include the following counties: Alleghany, Bland, Botetourt, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, Roanoke, Smith and Wythe County.

The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a mid-level robotics competition for high school students. It offers the traditional challenge of a FIRST Robotics competition, but with a more accessible and affordable robotics kit.

The FIRST Tech Challenge grew out of the existing First Robotics Competition and the FIRST Robovation platform. The ultimate goal of FTC is to reach more young people with a lower cost, more accessible opportunity to discover the excitement and rewards of science, technology and engineering.

According to research conducted by Brandeis University, FIRST participants are:
…50% more likely to attend college; twice as likely to go onto major in science or engineering;
…three times as likely to major specifically in engineering;
…and more than twice likely to volunteer in their communities.

And upon entering college, FIRST participants are:
…Ten times as likely to have an internship with a company;
…Four times more likely to expect to pursue a career in engineering.

The Tech Challenge Grant was made possible through the generosity of SyCom Technologies, a premier provider of technology solutions and services throughout Virginia. Over the past few years, SyCom Technologies has been an active sponsor with the NCTC and the FIRST Robotics program. Through the NCTC, SyCom has directed funds to help introduce a proven FIRST Robotics Program that gets kids excited about math, science and education and technology.

“We are really in a race today to regain the lead that America has always held in education and technology. Unless we begin to get kids excited and interested in technical careers, and we begin to convey the fact that far greater opportunities exist for them in technical work, than opportunities to become major league ball players, we will continue to fall behind the rest of the world in providing our workforce of tomorrow”, said Paula Gulak, VP of marketing at SyCom. This grant will cover the basic cost of the program in two schools and will also provide a $200.00 stipend for the mentors in each school.

Mailing Address:
2000 Kraft Drive • Suite 1500
Blacksburg, VA 24060
Phone: (540) 443-9232

Roanoke Office:
108 N. Jefferson St • Suite 306
Roanoke, VA 24016
Phone: (540) 537-5193
www.TheTechnologyCouncil.com

High Schools interested in applying for the grant may do so by visiting our website at www.thetechnologycouncil.com.

Please provide contact information for the school and intended mentor, the ability of your school to contribute any additional funds to support the team, as well as 250 words or less describing how involvement in the FIRST Tech Challenge Program will help develop problem solving and engineering skills at the school. This application must be received by May 31, 2008.

About FIRST:

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded by inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, N.H., the 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit public charity, designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge and life skills. The FIRST Mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills that inspire innovation, and foster well-rounded life capabilities including self confidence, communication and leadership. For more information, please visit their website at: http://www.usfirst.org

About SyCom Technologies:

SyCom Technologies has specialized since 1996 in providing IS solutions and services to Virginia-based companies as well as government and educational institutions. Their specializations include deployment of the Microsoft Suite of Products, Security Intrusion and Detection, VPN, IP Telephony and wireless solutions. Among their many certifications is the highly coveted Cisco Gold Certification and well as Microsoft Gold Certification. SyCom has been recognized by both the industry as well as numerous organizations for excellence in the industry. Awards include Ernst and Young’s Emerging Company Entrepreneur of the Year, Virginia’s Fantastic Companies, The Rising 25 Award and the Better Business Bureau of Central Virginia’s Torch Award for Marketplace Integrity.

About the NCTC:

The NewVA Corridor Technology Council serves the growing technology industry in the greater NewVa Region, encompassing Roanoke & Blacksburg, VA and the surrounding counties. Our goal is simple: to help make this region - already one of the best places to live - one of the best places to build a technology enterprise. NCTC Vision and Mission To serve and promote the technology industry for the purpose of driving prosperity in the NewVa region; and to champion a climate for the sustainable success of technology-based businesses in the region.

We recognize there are several key drivers that influence the success and growth of the region’s technology industry, including:
• Building Strong Local Networks
• Facilitating Connections to Regional Educational Institutions
• Promoting Supportive Infrastructure and Resources
• Promoting Diverse Sources of Capital
• Supporting Entrepreneur- and Technology-Friendly Public Policies
• Supporting the Development An Enabling Culture in the Region

The NCTC is a §501(c)(6) Non-Profit Corporation, privately funded by our membership dues and sponsorships. The NCTC is a member-driven organization. Our membership includes more than 170 firms, representing more than 15,000 total employees in the region.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Name

Email

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (Registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Add Comment