Contact: Andy Burghdorf (Marketing and Public Relations)
Tel: (818) 790-0325 ext. 513
Email: burghdorfa@sfhs.net
The St. Francis High School Robotics Team, also known as Team “Brobot,” recently received a JCPenney grant that will allow the team to build and compete in regional robotics competitions throughout the school year. The St. Francis Robotics Team, under the direction of Mr. Benny Sibal, a technology director at St. Francis, and assisted by St. Francis alum Russell Juma ’08, is excited about the opportunities afforded by the grant and looking forward to a successful season. Most importantly, Team “Brobot” hopes to achieve its goal of “building brotherhood one robot at a time.” The team encourages teamwork, leadership, and brotherhood. In addition, the St. Francis robotics program aims to promote an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through robotics. In order to do so, the team provides opportunities where students, especially those with an inclination for technology, can thrive. Ultimately, the robotics team hopes to inspire students who never thought they could do this kind of work, and to encourage students to explore career alternatives. The St. Francis Robotics Team is grateful to JCPenney, in partnership with FIRST, for providing the grant to make this program possible.
JCPenney Sponsors 500 FIRST Robotics Teams:
As part of JCPenney’s ongoing dedication to empowering youth during the after school hours, JCPenney has formed a partnership with FIRST, a non-profit group whose mission is to inspire kids to be science and technology leaders. JCPenney is proud to sponsor 500 high school robotics teams nationwide as they compete in fast-paced, high-energy, “March Madness” style robotics competitions.
JCPenney plans to sponsor a FIRST team in every JCPenney community by providing the sponsorship needed to establish rookie teams and increase participation among minority and female students. By working together to support these FIRST teams, we’ll have a significant impact on thousands of students’ education and career choices and hopefully inspire a new generation leading the world’s innovation.
FIRST Mission:
FIRST’s mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, 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.
JCPenney Grant Program:
http://www.JCPenney.net/Our-Company/Social-Responsibility/Community/FIRST.aspx
FIRST:
St. Francis High School Robotics Team Website:
http://www.sfhs.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=117597&type=d
If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview, please call Andy Burghdorf at (818) 790-0325 ext. 513 or e-mail burghdorfa@sfhs.net.