Promoting early interest in scientific and technical education is high priority for Softec, so it has made grants to high-school robotics programs for several years totaling $9,000 through last year. For our 2009/2010 awards, we contacted some 25 public and private high schools throughout the Central Coast, and applications were received from seven programs.
At our Board meeting, it was decided to award each applicant $500, for a total of $3,500. The programs are:
The awards will be presented at Softec’s next regular dinner meeting (Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at 7:30pm at Pelican Point/Ventana restaurant in Pismo Beach. (Those wishing to also attend the dinner at 6:30 pm should register and pay at Softec.org).
We would note that all these excellent programs will benefit from any amount of support from any sources of any kind. These can include of course cash, but also any kind of donations of tools, equipment, parts, supplies, or simply your time, to mentor, coach, or help in any other way you might be able. Therefore, Softec urges anyone reading this to contact the programs directly and offer anything you or your business is able to do.
Also, for Softec’s program next year, we will we will be seeking additional funds and other support from other groups, businesses, or individuals, to hopefully multiply the amount that can be awarded next year. Thus, if rather than supporting particular teams you would prefer to support them all though Softec’s program, please contact the program chair, Kim Mistretta.