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Jamaica College launches Robotics Program with historic entry of a Caribbean High School team in prestigious US FIRST Robotics Competition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York– November 23, 2009-- Jamaica College, a leading secondary institution located in Jamaica, announced its entry in the premier Robotics Competition in the US for high school students: the US FIRST Competition.
The Jamaica College Old Boys Association of New York, Inc will partner JC in executing the project which envisages the establishment of a Robotics Lab and infusion of relevant technical applications within its existing science program. Annual participation in the FIRST competition is planned.
The project marks the historic first entry of a Caribbean high school in the Robotics field and its organizers hope to pave the way for the popularization of artificial intelligence technology in Jamaica and the region. Jamaica College will serve as an invaluable resource to any school wishing to establish a robotics program or enter the FIRST competition.
The US FIRSTcompetition attracts first tier technology firms in the US as sponsors. General Dynamics, Rockwell Collins, Boeing and Intel are numbered among firms providing support to this international competition.
Jamaica College is in the process of arranging technical support for its program from UTECH, UWI and private sector engineering firms.
With the rapid adoption of technology widely recognized as vital to Jamaica’s progress, Jamaica College seeks to use Robotics to excite and motivate students to consider careers in engineering and science.
Studies indicate that students participating in the US FIRST Robotics Competition, in comparison with their peer group, are:
- More than 3 times as likely to major specifically in engineering.
- Significantly more likely to expect to achieve a post graduate
- More than twice as likely to expect to pursue a career in science and technology.
- Nearly 4 times as likely to expect to pursue a career specifically in engineering.
The project will be formally launched at a press reception to be held at Jamaica College January 3, 2010. Media practitioners, JC stakeholders and members of the academic community will be able to get details of the program and how it is intended to transform science education at JC with practical applications in computer software and hardware development, engineering, mathematics and general problem solving techniques.
Dr David Levermore, a Boeing engineer and JC alumnus, heads the project technical team and will be present at the media launch. According to Dr Levermore “This project is invaluable in teaching 21st century skills and helps make science as attractive as sports in our schools.” It is potentially transformative and I hope the message of the importance of science and technology spreads way beyond JC.”
JCOBA-NY is working closely with the FIRST Robotics organization to make the project a success.
Ana Martinez, FIRST Regional Coordinator said “FIRST welcomes the entry of JC in our 2010 competition. We applaud the pioneering efforts of Jamaica College and hope to see more participation from Jamaican and Caribbean schools in the future.”
ABOUT JCOBA-NY Inc. & Jamaica College
Founded in 1795, Jamaica College is a distinguished secondary institution located in Kingston, Jamaica. Its graduates are well represented among the primary political, business and public service leaders of Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Jamaica College Old Boys Association of New York, Inc was founded in New York State in 1994. JCOBA-NY has NYS and Federal tax exempt status and is the official representative of Jamaica College in the Tri-State area.
The mission of JCOBA-NY Inc. is to support the Jamaica College community in providing a first class education for its students.
Web: http://www.jcobany.org/ Email: JamaicaCollegeOnline@yahoo.com
ABOUT US FIRST ROBOTICS:
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology.
Based in Manchester, New Hampshire, 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.
Web: http://www.usfirst.org Ana Martinez, Tel: 917.361.2257 Email: anayz@usfirst.org
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