NEWS

Louisiana Tech University hosted teams from high schools along Interstate 20 to kick off the annual FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition.

Founded in 1989, FIRST is an international non-profit that teaches 21st Century life skills and helps students become innovative problem solvers able to tackle the world’s greatest challenges.

Louisiana Tech has strong connections to the organization. Graduate Woody Flowers and Dean Kaman, inventor of the Segway and the first drug-delivery pump, hosted the original FIRST competitions at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

“These competitions and opportunities for collaboration ensure our students have the opportunity to give back, mentor, and pour into the next generation of Bulldogs and global STEM leaders,” said Dr. Lindsey Keith-Vincent, Associate Dean in the College of Education. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to cohost this event with our colleagues in the College of Engineering and Sciences and are appreciative to our school-district partners that trust us to inspire and support their students in the journey to become creative problem solvers and solution designers.”

“Partnerships with colleagues on and off campus are the foundation of the success of our institution and our communities,” said Dr. Heath Tims, Associate Dean in the College of Engineering and Science. “We appreciate the opportunity to play a part in this important and impactful work that invests in the next generation.”

Qualifying teams at district and regional competitions have the chance to win a spot in the FIRST Robotics Competition Championship later this spring.

“We are so grateful to Louisiana Tech for hosting our teams for the 2023 FIRST Robotics Competition kickoff,” said Carolyn Arthurs, Louisiana’s Regional Director. “Having the support of the local community and its colleges is a crucial element of team success and opens the door to their continued paths into the local workforce pipeline.”

This year’s FIRST Competition was sponsored by Qualcomm and the United States Space Force.

To volunteer as a mentor for local teams, email Arthurs at carthurs@firstinspires.org. To learn more about STEM outreach and education partnership opportunities at Louisiana Tech, email scitec@latech.edu.