Mohawk Valley Community College has partnered with FIRST® (For Inspiration of Science and Technology) to lead the organization’s youth robotics competitions, camps and programming in the New York-Excelsior region which represents teams in all of NY State excluding Long Island and New York City.
This partnership with FIRST, an international not-for-profit organization to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology, is a natural fit for MVCC. The College has served as a host site for FIRST LEGO® League tournaments, and has seen first-hand the inspirational power of FIRST.
MVCC also has supported FIRST by providing robotics teams with access to the College’s experienced engineering faculty, as well as facilities with the additive and subtractive manufacturing capacity needed to assist during robot builds. The partnership also introduces MVCC’s engineering programs to students in local high schools, and provides a starting point and a clear path to a bachelor’s degree or career.
“MVCC is pleased to continue to support local youth programs, especially those that provide hands-on engineering, science, and technology practice,” said MVCC President Randall J. VanWagoner. “The FIRST Tech Challenge will deliver invaluable experience as these youth continue on their educational adventures in STEM.”
SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica, which served as FIRST’s regional partner for 15 years, is honored to have been part of the initiative to foster STEM interest and innovation in thousands of students and teachers, and looks forward to working with MVCC on FIRST events in various capacities.
For more information about FIRST Tech Challenge, contact NY-Excelsior FIRST Tech Challenge Partner Tina Betz at tbetz@mvcc.edu.
About FIRST®
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of
Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology
in young people. Based in Manchester, New Hampshire, FIRST designs accessible, innovative
programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young
people to pursue opportunities in science, technology and engineering. With support
from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $80 million in college scholarships,
the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST Robotics Competition for students
in Grades 9-12; FIRST Tech Challenge for Grades 7-12; and FIRST LEGO® League Discover,
Explore and Challenge for Grades K-8. Gracious Professionalism® is the ethos of FIRST
and is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value
of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST,
go to www.firstinspires.org.