Arrow Electronics Sponsors FIRST Robotics Regional Competition
Arrow Electronics sponsored the FIRST Robotics Colorado Regional Competition March 23-24, continuing its commitment to cultivate the next generation of innovators. Held at the University of Denver, the competition drew 52 high school teams from Colorado and other western states, as well as one team from Turkey.
Set in an arena filled with cheering supporters, the fast-paced contest pitted student-built robots against each other in a variety of challenges. The competition also required teams to write a business plan, develop a team brand and repair their robots in the pits under time constraints. Winners will face off in the FIRST World Championship in Houston, April 18-21.
“These students represent the future of innovation and demonstrate that innovation is a skill that can be taught. With their ability to rapidly apply all they know about STEM topics into a competitive, reliable robot, they’ve shown that they have the ability to use technology to help build a better tomorrow,” said Joe Verrengia, Arrow’s global corporate social responsibility director, who also served as a nontechnical judge at the event.
Arrow has sponsored the Colorado regional competition for the past five years. FIRST Robotics treats robotics as a varsity sport, holding regional and global competitions based on a new technology kit every year. More than 88 percent of participants indicated they have more interest in doing well in school and 92 percent are more interested in attending college.
About Arrow Electronics
Arrow Electronics is a global provider of products, services and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and enterprise computing solutions. Arrow serves as a supply channel partner for more than 150,000 original equipment manufacturers, contract manufacturers and commercial customers through a global network. The company maintains over 300 sales facilities and 45 distribution and value-added centers, serving over 80 countries. Learn more at fiveyearsout.com
About FIRST
Founded in 1989, FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) inspires 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. For more information visit www.firstinspires.org
