SEATTLE-AREA ROBOTICS TEAM ATTENDS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Seattle/April 30, 2007 – Local students participating in the ‘team xbot’ robotics program achieved unparalleled success in the 2007 season, competing in two Regional Competitions and earning a prized chance to compete at The Championship Event in Atlanta, GA.

As a part of the FIRST Robotics Competition (http://www.usfirst.org), ‘team xbot’ challenges students to design and construct a large, autonomously controlled robot for competition against students from around the region and around the world. By working alongside dedicated professional engineers, teachers and other volunteers, these students are given opportunities to experience science, technology, engineering and math in a way that no classroom can provide – with the sincere hope that they will go forward to become professionals in these disciplines themselves. ‘Team xbot’ is proud to have the support of employees at Microsoft and Boeing, DeVry University, and countless other local businesses, in this endeavor.

While competing at the Pacific Northwest Regional in Portland, OR from March 1 through 3, ‘team xbot’ emerged as semifinalists from a field of nearly fifty robots. Two weeks later, at the Silicon Valley Regional held in San Jose, CA, the team was a finalist and was awarded the coveted Engineering Inspiration Award for “a team’s outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school as well as their community.” As one of the highest honors FIRST awards its teams – more important even than winning the competition – the Engineering Inspiration Award earned ‘team xbot’ the chance to compete alongside 343 teams from six countries at The Championship Event. ‘Team xbot’ finished as quarterfinalists at this “Superbowl of Smarts,” with their partners from Wilsonville, OR and New Brunswick, NJ.

The Championship Event is the world’s largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and math and, in addition to the FIRST Robotics Competition, also hosts the FIRST LEGO League World Festival and FIRST Vex Challenge Championship – programs aimed at younger students. More than 10,000 students attend the three-day event, held in the Georgia World Congress Center and Georgia Dome.

The ‘team xbot’ program works to serve Seattle’s underrepresented and underprivileged youth, giving them opportunities to develop skills and ambition aptly suited for the highly-skilled jobs that continue to form the backbone of the new American economy. The generous support of corporate sponsors and community leaders makes it possible for the program to continue providing these fantastic opportunities to students.‘team xbot’ was founded in 2000 by a group of dedicated engineering professionals. Students represent Franklin High School, Garfield High School, Technology Access Foundation, The Center School and Cleveland High School. ‘team xbot’ has grown from a team of 10 students to 45+ for the 2007 competition season.

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology - FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, the 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit public charity designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills. www.usfirst.org