Hauppauge, New York — The FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Long Island Robotics programs have continually seen growth each year. As such, School-Business Partnerships of Long Island, Inc. (SBPLI) increasingly requires assistance with the organization and execution of events and related program development associated with its Annual FIRST Robotics Competition. In support of this effort, FESTO Corporation, a longtime SBPLI sponsor, located at 395 Moreland Road in Hauppauge, is hosting a Development Council Recruitment Event on Thursday, November 17 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Business professionals, educators, parents and FIRST alumni, are invited to join current Development Council members during the informational event, which will feature presentations from Development Council members and a current FIRST team. Guests will be treated to real-life success stories from students, alumni and business members who have participated in the program, in addition to learning the benefits that the SBPLI programs offer to Long Island students, including immersion in critical STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programming in an enjoyable, engaging learning environment and the chance to develop problem-solving skills, in a cooperative manner.

Participation in the Development Council has many benefits to its members, from first-hand input in the programs that matter to the students, to potential corporate connections. Additionally, Development Council Members have the chance to take a leadership role within the SBPLI organization, overseeing many key events and fundraisers.

The SBPLI Long Island Regional FIRST Robotics Competition, presented annually by SBPLI at Hofstra University in March/April, brings together teams of students and their mentors from more than 50 Long Island school districts, as well as from the Metropolitan area and from around the country and abroad. Students aged 14 to 18 (grades nine to 12) are eligible to participate. Teams form in the Fall and typically consist of 25 members or more. A kick-off event, at which teams learn about the "game" for this season and receive a kit of parts common to all participants, is held at Stony Brook University each January.

After kick-off, teams are tasked with designing and building a robot, weighing up to 120 pounds, in a six-week timeframe using a common set of rules and challenges, which changes each year. Once these future technology leaders create their robots, teams participate in the regional competition for a chance to move on to the national competition. As the teams compete with their robots, members are cheered on by teammates, competitors and thousands of fans over a three-day period. 

The judges measure the effectiveness of each robot as well as the collaborative efforts and determination of the students. Awards are presented for design, technology and sportsmanship. Members learn about friendly competition, teamwork, problem-solving and gracious professionalism. In addition, they are challenged to fill roles ranging from research to “design and build,” computer programming and animation, as well as fundraising and community outreach.    

This experience enriches students to seriously consider the pursuit of a college education and intended careers in technology-related fields. SBPLI hosts this program to provide students with scholarships, internships, and employment opportunities to hopefully keep talent on Long Island.

For more information about FIRST Long Island Robotics, visit www.firstlongisland.org.