AVX Corporation, a leading manufacturer of passive components and interconnect solutions, was recognized at the recent Electronic Component Industry Association (ECIA) Executive Conference for its support of the 2014 FIRST® Robotics Competition. Founded in 1989, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a nonprofit organization that creates accessible, innovative programs designed to motivate young people to pursue educational and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), as well as to foster their self confidence, knowledge, and life skills.
Dubbed a “varsity sport for the mind,” the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology, providing students with a unique opportunity to engage in “real world engineering.” Under strict rules, limited resources, and tight time constraints, teams of 25 students or more are challenged to raise funds, create a team brand, hone their teamwork skills, and collectively build and program a robot capable of performing a series of prescribed tasks more effectively than competitors’ robots. Students participating in the FRC get to work with and learn from professional engineers, build and compete with a robot of their own design, learn to use sophisticated software and hardware, and both compete and cooperate in alliances and tournaments for a chance to participate in the FIRST World Championship and to qualify for a share of more than $18 million in college scholarships.
“AVX recognizes the importance of encouraging students to develop an interest in science and technology and is proud to both support the FIRST Robotics Competition –an innovative, hands-on initiative that encourages high school students to explore and pursue STEM studies and careers– and to be recognized by the ECIA for our contributions to the program,” said AVX Vice President of Sales, Pete Venuto.
