Get Into Energy/Get Into STEM
FAQs
What is the Get Into Energy/Get Into STEM initiative?
Managed by the Center for Workforce Development (CEWD), “Get Into Energy/Get Into
STEM” is a new initiative that supports FIRST ® teams at the national, regional, and local
levels through sponsorship for the National Competition, sponsorship for Super Regionals,
and sponsorship for the First Tech Challenge Rookie Grants.
CEWD’s 2015 FIRST sponsorship will provide funding at the national, regional, and local
levels to support onsite robot doctors and charging stations during the national and super
regional competitions, as well as to cover registration fees for more than 180 new First
Tech teams. CEWD member companies will also provide onsite, hands-on support to
student participants at each competition level.
Why sponsor FIRST at the national level?
Many CEWD member companies sponsor local FIRST teams, First Robotics, the First Tech
Challenge, and the FIRST LEGO League in their individual states or service territories.
These companies find that FIRST offers a great way to encourage science, technology,
engineering, and math (STEM) education, while also providing a connection to and
awareness of the rewarding energy careers in the electric power industry.
The industry now has an opportunity to build on these efforts with the expertise and
enthusiasm of CEWD’s member companies to support FIRST more broadly and on a
national level. Managing this new initiative under the national CEWD umbrella, rather than
on an individual company-by-company basis, will expand the reach of the industry’s effort.
What is FIRST®?
Founded in 1989, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology)
designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills
while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering,
and math.
Through First Robotics, the First Tech Challenge, and the FIRST LEGO League, FIRST
inspires 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.
To learn more, visit FIRST.
Why is this initiative important for the energy industry?
FIRST offers a great way to encourage STEM education, while also providing a connection
to, and awareness of, the rewarding career opportunities available in the energy industry.
Through this initiative, the industry is able to:
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Encourage more students to participate in STEM;
Demonstrate community support—many of the grants that CEWD sponsors will
support under-represented populations;
Talk about careers available in the industry; and
Educate consumers and stakeholders about the value of the industry.
What does my company’s sponsorship funding provide?
CEWD’s FIRST sponsorship will provide funding at the national, regional, and local levels to
support onsite robot doctors and charging stations during the national and super regional
competitions, as well as to cover registration fees for more than 180 new First Tech teams.
CEWD member companies will also provide onsite, hands-on support to student
participants at each competition level.
How will my company be recognized for its sponsorship?
Companies that participate in the initiative will be recognized through branding and press
coverage at local, regional, and national events. CEWD and individual companies will also
be able to interact with the teams in a variety of ways, including speaking at competitions,
attending all events, interacting with competing teams, and participating at the energy
industry booth at each competition.
What CEWD member companies are sponsoring the initiative?
Proud CEWD member sponsors of the Get Into Energy/Get Into STEM initiative include:
Ameren, Consumers Energy, Duke Energy, DTE Energy, Edison International, Exelon,
MidAmerican Energy, National Grid, NextEra Energy, Pacific Gas and Electric, and Southern
Company.
If I have additional questions, whom should I contact?
Ann Randazzo, Executive Director, CEWD
[email protected]
703-625-8096