[Anthony Towne]

This summer and this coming fall a bunch of young engineers from Hamilton Sundstrand (including myself) are organizing a miniature FIRST competition for the students when classes start. We have created our own game and built a playing field measuring 8' x 12'. Using extra budget money, we bought 6 customized robotics kits and will hold classes in the fall to teach kids about robot construction (machining, software, electronics, design, etc). We designed a game as close to FIRST as we can so when the design/build phase hits us in January, the students know how to build a robot and know what to expect when we start competing in regionals. One of the bigger problems I noticed, at least on our team, is that students aren't confident of themselves when it comes to designing and spouting off ideas. They have great ideas, but don't voice them because there are too many older people (mentors & engineers) around and some feel intimidated, hence why us young engineers are coordinating the off-season. The students seem to feel more comfortable around us than the older members, since we are closer in age to them.