It is estimated that 65 percent of today’s kindergarteners will have job titles that do not currently exist. Many of these new roles will be related to STEM, so it is imperative that young people have opportunities to explore and become educated in these fields. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics is a program that does just that. Its mission is to inspire young people to become science and technology leaders by engaging them in mentor-based programs and competitions. According to FIRST, this is as close to real-world engineering as a student can get.
Knowing this, Macomb County has begun collaborating with local teams. We’ve awarded sponsorships, hosted events and provided assistance in a number of ways. But on September 7, we will support FIRST teams in a very different way – by taking part in the first annual FIRST Robotics Charity Dodgeball Tournament. The best part? You can participate as well! Here are the details.
FRC Team 4810 I.AM.Robot, out of the International Academy of Macomb, and FRC Team 2851 Crevolution, out of Utica Community Schools, will host the event from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Macomb Community College Sports and Expo Center (14500 12 Mile Road in Warren). Its beneficiary is A Beautiful Me, a Port Huron-based organization that focuses on the development and maintenance of self-esteem in young girls. Several local FIRST Robotics teams will participate, including world champion Team 217, The Thunderchickens. There will also be seminars, concessions, awards and booths for businesses.
The public is welcome to attend and participate, if desired. Interested individuals can either sign up to play dodgeball or to host a booth in the business space. Just visit iamrobot4810.org/dodgeball for the details and once you’re registered you too will be supporting FIRST Robotics, just like Macomb County.
We appreciate your consideration of this event and hope to see you there!
Megan Ochmanek is a communications specialist for Macomb County Planning and Economic Development.