DISTek fully supports STEMS (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education and the development of the next generation of engineers. Many DISTek employees have volunteered to work with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League programs at the elementary school level, and robotics programs at the secondary school level.
The FIRST website describes the program:
Dean Kamen is an inventor, entrepreneur, and tireless advocate for science and technology. His passion and determination to help young people discover the excitement and rewards of science and technology are the cornerstones of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).
FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology.
FIRST affords students the opportunity to:
Learn from professional engineers
Build and compete with a robot of their own design
Learn and use sophisticated software and hardware
Compete and cooperate in alliances and tournaments
Earn a place in the World Championship
Qualify for over $19 million in college scholarships
In addition to our personal involvement, DISTek is a proud sponsor the local Cedar Falls High School Robotics Team, Team 525, who is competing at the Central Illinois Regional this Thursday, February 27 to Saturday, March 1. Thursday is a practice day, with qualifying matches Friday and Saturday morning and elimination rounds Saturday afternoon.
Interested fans can follow the team by watching the webcast here.
Schedules, Results and Standings are available here.
The picture below shows the inflatable dome set up in Pekin IL for this weekend’s competition.
