Those who are interested in earning a degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics can learn more about these industries by participating in competitions. These types of events can provide prospective students with a different learning environment as well as scholarship opportunities.
Last weekend, 40 members of eight Raytheon Company-sponsored teams who competed in the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Championships in Atlanta were awarded scholarships worth $1,000 each. An organization that specializes in the defense and homeland security markets, Raytheon's involvement in the competition aims to encourage students to pursue higher education in science, technology, engineering and math.
High school students who participated in the event learned how to design and build robots from standard part kits. Throughout a six-week span, Raytheon engineers work with the students on the design and building of the robots, which were then used in local and regional competitions.
This competition "plays an important role in developing the next generation of engineers, scientists and technologists in our country," said Mark E. Russell, vice president of engineering at Raytheon Company.
By 2018, engineers are projected to see an 11 percent increase in employment, which will create about 178,300 new jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
