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Wednesday, December 24, 2008

R.I. schools to get FIRST robotics kits

By Brendan Lynch

Tech Collective reports it has landed $16,200 from the Champlin Foundations to provide Rhode Island schools with robotics kits from FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).

The grant will go toward the purchase of 17 U.S. FIRST Robotics Tech Challenge kits and 39 “bonus packs” of extra hardware and controllers, according to Tech Collective, a Providence-based IT and bioscience industry group.

The FIRST Robotics Tech Challenge is a high school-level robotics competition in which teams of up 10 students design, build and operate robots in statewide and national competition. The new kits are mandatory for competition and cost $950 each. In light of reduced school budgets, FIRST has waived half of the cost, and the Champlin Foundations grant will finance the remaining expenses, Tech Collective said.

Last year, 36 high school teams competed in the FTC Challenge, and four earned their way to the championship competition in Atlanta. This year’s event is expected to host 39 teams in the competition, Tech Collective said.

The Champlin Foundations are private foundations that make direct grants to tax-exempt organizations in Rhode Island, mostly for capital needs including equipment, construction, renovations, the purchase of real property and reduction of mortgage indebtedness.

FIRST was founded in 1989 by New Hampshire-based inventor Dean Kamen. The nonprofit designs children’s programs that build science and technology skills and interests.

 

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