Mar 10 2014
BASF presented a $5,000 donation to Central Middle School in Ascension Parish to launch a robotics team that will compete in the FIRST ® LEGO® League (FLL®). BASF is piloting the program at Central Middle School with the intent of forming additional teams at other middle schools throughout Ascension Parish.
This is the latest initiative in the company’s ongoing effort to promote and improve science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education in schools. The company also sponsors the FIRST ® Robotics Competition (FRC®) team of Ascension Parish high school students based at East Ascension High School.
Employees from the BASF Geismar site will mentor the students on the Central Middle School team throughout the program. Students who participate in the high school Ascension Robotics team will also support the junior-level team as mentors, helping to develop a legacy of students who are engaged in STEM activities throughout Ascension Parish.
“Robotics is an exciting field that challenges students to combine academics and creativity in team projects that have a direct link to real-world industry applications," said Tom Yura, Senior Vice President and Manager of the BASF site in Geismar, Louisiana. “Helping to create and mentor these robotics teams is a great example of how industry can support STEM education and inspire the next generation of scientists, researchers, inventors and innovators."
FIRST ® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a multinational non-profit organization that is working to promote science, math, engineering, and technology. FIRST ® provides students in grades K-12 with the opportunity to discover the excitement and rewards of science and technology through exciting, mentor-based programs. In FIRST ® LEGO® League, students ages 9-14 work alongside adult mentors to design, build and program autonomous robots and create an innovative solution to a real-world problem as part of their research project.
“Through BASF’s continued support of school-based initiatives like the creation of the junior robotics team and the sponsorship of the high school robotics program, our students are able to gain hands-on knowledge and experience in STEM, preparing them to be ready for post-s econdary education and a career, ” said Ascension Parish Superintendent Patrice Pujol. “It is through the generous support of our business partners like BASF that Ascension Parish Public Schools stand among the top rated school systems in the state of Louisiana.”
FIRST ® LEGO® League and FLL® are jointly held registed trademarks of FIRST and The LEGO Group. FIRST® and FIRST ® Robotics Competition (FRC®) are registered trademarks of FIRST.
Suggested caption: BASF presented a $5,000 donation to Central Middle School in Ascension Parish to launch a junior robotics team. From left are: Alan Smith,Contractor Safety Specialist at the BASF Geismar site and employee mentor to the Central Middle School’s Robotics Team; Jolen Stein, Site and Community Relations Manager for BASF Louisiana sites; Monica Hills, Principal of Central Middle School; Ronda Matthews, Supervisor of Career and Technical Education for Ascension Parish Schools; Michelle Miller, Science Teacher at Central Middle School and Robotics Team Coordinator.
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, N.H., 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 $19 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC® ) for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC® ) for Grades 7-12; FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL® ) for Grades 4-8; and Junior FIRST® LEGO® League (Jr.FLL ®) for Grades K-3. Gracious Professionalism ® 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.usfirst.org
Source: http://www.basf.com/