Great Opportunity for Chamber Members to Help Develop Their Future Workforce

FIRST (www.usfirst.org) was founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, 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.
By working with business and industry mentors, students in the FIRST program learn engineering, physics, programming and science; in addition to other life skills such as self confidence, critical thinking, public speaking, creativity and time management. FIRST offers a range of programs for kids ages 6-18. These programs vary by accessibility, scalability and scope of the challenge. All FIRST programs provide real-world engineering and business experience and rely on volunteer professional (technical and business) mentors to lend their time and talents to guide each team. FIRST Lego League (FLL) introduces students ages 6-14 students to real-world engineering challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface.
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is designed for high school students who want to compete head-to-head, using a sports model. Teams are responsible for designing, building, and programming their robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams. FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is “The varsity sport for the mind,” combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, high school-aged teams are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” create a business plan, hone teamwork skills, and build and  program robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. Between Needham and Newton, there are approximately 20 FIRST Lego  League Teams, which are primarily organized and run by parents. Needham High School is forming a FIRST Tech Challenge team for the upcoming season, and, in its 3rd year, the Newton Ligerbots (www.ligerbots.com) are an award winning FIRST Robotics Competition team with student mem-
bers and teacher coaches from both Newton High Schools. PTC, a Needham-based software company, is committed to building the next generation of science, technology, and business leaders. That’s why PTC has made FIRST the cornerstone of its corporate social responsibility program. In addition to offering free PTC software to FIRST teams around the world, PTC has sponsored over 100 teams, providing financial support and, in many cases, mentor support. In particular, PTC has been instrumental in the growth of FIRST in the Newton and Needham communities.

All Newton Needham Chamber members can help these teams, whether through financial support, business mentors, or just supplying the teams with nourishment (think pizza, etc.) during their season. In return, the teams will recognize your business in their own community outreach activities, on their website, on their T-shirts, and in their promotional materials. By getting involved, you are supporting the youth and developing the future workforce in your community. It is also a great way to engage your employees and customers, and get access to talented interns! For more information about FIRST, visit www.usfirst.org. To learn more about PTC’s program, visit www.ptc.com/go/FIRST or contact Sheila Rogers at 781-370-5477 or srogers@ptc.com. For more information or to get involved in the FIRST Tech Challenge team from Needham High School, contact their head coach, Hans Batra at 781-455-0800 x2112 or Hans_Batra@needham.k12.ma.us. For more information or to get involved in the FIRST Robotics team from Newton, contact their head coach, Chuck Hurwitz at 617-559-6581 or Charles_Hurwitz@newton.k12.ma.us.

INBusiness: Newton Needham Chamber of Commerce, June 2010 via http://nnchamber.com/
P.S. We were mentioned on the front page, too! See attached pdf.