White House announces major STEM initiative

[ebarker]

I understand the desire to have the President at the Championship event. That said, the places of inspiration that showcase collaborations are in the shops and the pits

Seem like sneaking into the DC regional pits would be the good way to meet the students and mentors whereas speaking at the CMP would be a more a STEM recognition and policy oriented activity. Both are needed.

I’m not sure there is a huge need to get the administrations attention at this point but more along the lines of letting FIRST hq get their ducks in a row.

Inside of 6 weeks FIRST has made a presence in front of the administration and the Congress. In a few more weeks states will make their initial bid in the Race to the Top. Teams could/should try to touch bases with their Senators and Congressmen during the upcoming break and make sure they are aware of what is out there regarding the STEM push because as soon as the healthcare thing is behind us it will be on to energy and education.

[EricH]

Perhaps one of the most critical things we could convince him to do is to watch a Regional’s webcast, or appear at the D.C. Regional briefly and/or unannounced to the public (it’s less than 5 minutes from the W.H. to the regional …).

I seem to remember that President Bush went to Iraq, completely unannounced, a few years back around this time of year. If they could keep it secret until it happened, it might be quite possible to pull it off, especially at the D.C. Regional where security could presumably be quietly enhanced without arousing comment.

[Martinez]

Absolutely Amazing!

To think… one of “our” robots was inspected by the Commander in Chief. It’s almost enough to make all of the bitterness from losing the VH-71 contract just melt away.

Kudos to 623 and grats on a job well done!

I’ve been involved with FIRST Robotics for eight years and to see it start to gain the momentum and recognition it deserves is so touching to my heart. It is because of the people, here on this forum, that I earned my Engineering Degree and went on to work for the President as a part of Lockheed Martin on the VH-71.

Now, faced with unemployment I harbor no regrets but am actually very much encouraged to become a High School Physics teacher under this President’s Administration. In a very real way, I have bled for this country by means of broken braincells, eye strained papers and dangerous late nighters.

FIRST has been an incredible opportunity. We all know that, but in time so will the whole country as well. It was FIRST that pushed me to be my best despite adversity. It was FIRST that encouraged me earn my degree. It was FIRST that motivated me and gave me the chance to FIRST educate and inspire young minds.

I have shook the hands of the Pilots who have flown the President. However, that chance did not come from working on his new ride… It came from attending a Regional hosted by the US Naval Academy.

Well, I’m off to class. Time to hit to books some more.

Congrats again to all the teams this season and see you in 2010!

[dlavery]

The Mythbusters just posted some great video of the event on the Discovery Channel web site.

Well, they tried.

-dave

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