Energy industry sponsors first robotics, tech initiatives

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) announced on Friday that it will sponsor student teams participating in the FIRST Robotics competitions and the FIRST Tech Challenge.

The “Get Into Energy, Get Into STEM” program will be supported by 12 energy companies and is managed by the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD).

“Our industry is committed to encouraging more students to participate in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and to raising awareness of the rewarding careers available in the energy industry,” Tom Kuhn, president of EEI, said. “Our support of the FIRST Robotics competitions and FIRST Tech Challenge has been incredibly beneficial for the student teams, and we are proud to support these great programs for a second year. FIRST’s innovative programs help students develop critical life skills and knowledge that our companies are looking for in the leaders of tomorrow.”

CEWD will provide funding for the FIRST competitions at the national, regional and local levels for onsite robot doctors during the 2016 national and super regional competitions. Onsite, hands-on support to student participants will be provided by the companies involved.

Program and member sponsors include AGL Resources, American Electric Power, Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, Duke Energy, Edison International, Entergy Corporation, Exelon NextEra Energy, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Public Service Enterprise Group and Southern Company.