Grainger Inspires Next Generation of Engineers as Gold Supplier of the FIRST Robotics Competition
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - January 8, 2009 - Grainger announced today that it
is joining forces with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and
Technology), a not-for-profit organization founded by inventor Dean Kamen
to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology,
as a Gold Supplier of the FIRST Robotics Competition.
"Grainger is committed to supporting technical education and we are pleased
to support the FIRST organization and the important skills and experience
they bring to the students of today," said Chris Sperry, Vice President,
Distribution Operations, Grainger.
The FIRST Robotics Competition Gold Supplier level designates a contribution
between $50,000 and $200,000. Grainger provided safety eyewear, gloves
and hinges for the 2009 FRC Kit of Parts which was distributed to more than
1,680 teams of high-school students on January 3, 2009.
"For 18 years, the FIRST organization has been working to create a culture
where students not only emulate leaders in science, technology, and
engineering, but also realize the potential within them to someday be one of
those pioneers," said FIRST president, Paul R. Gudonis. "Grainger is helping to
instill those values and beliefs in today's youth. Like FIRST, Grainger aims to
excite students about pursuing careers in engineering."
By providing components for the competition, FIRST suppliers are putting the
latest technology in the hands of students, giving them the opportunity to
apply the same tools used by professional scientists and engineers and
ultimately helping them learn real-world skills they will carry into the
workplace. The 2009 Kit of Parts contains 604 items, 39% of which are
donated.
Since 1992, FIRST has brought the excitement of a sporting event to science
and technology via robotics competitions. On January 3, the organization
unveiled the annual engineering challenge to teams, who also received a Kit
of Parts made up of motors, batteries, a control system, and a mix of
automation components - but no instructions. Working with mentors,
students now have just six weeks to design, build, program, and test their
robots in preparation for regional events that measure the effectiveness of
each robot, the power of collaboration, and the determination of students.
More than 42,000 students from 10 countries will design and build robots to
compete in regional events with winners advancing to the FIRST
Championship in Atlanta, Georgia, April 16-18, 2009. Participating students
are eligible to apply for more than $9 million in scholarships offered by leading
universities, colleges, and companies.
About FIRST
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST (For Inspiration and
Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire 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. With the support of many of the
world's most well-known companies, the not-for-profit organization hosts the
FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST Tech Challenge for high-school
students, FIRST LEGO League for children 9-14 years old, and Junior FIRST
LEGO League for 6 to 9 year-olds. To learn more about FIRST, go to
www.usfirst.org.
About Grainger
Illinois-based W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW), with 2007 sales of $6.4
billion, is the leading broad line supplier of facilities maintenance products
serving businesses and institutions in Canada, China, Mexico and the United
States. Through a highly integrated network including more than 600
branches, 18 distribution centers and multiple Web sites, Grainger's
employees help customers get the job done.
