FIRST Team 250
Capital Region Robotics, Colonie, NY
Capital Region Robotics’ mission is to inspire students to pursue study and careers in science,
technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through participation in FIRST Robotics. We believe for
the US to remain competitive in the global economy we need a strong STEM-based workforce to
drive innovation and meet the future needs of industry.
Capital Region Robotics, known as Team 250, has operated at Colonie Central High Schools
since 1999. Each fall up to 50 students from area high schools converge at Colonie to participate
on the robotics team. Team mentors include professionals and skilled craftsmen from local companies, college students, and teachers who volunteer time to work with students in this hands-on
program. Students focus on industrial safety, 3D visualization, mechanical fabrication / design,
and industrial control / automation, while developing skills in critical thinking, problem solving,
communication, public speaking, teamwork, time management, gracious professionalism and
other soft skills needed in business.
Over $750,000 in FIRST scholarships have
been awarded to Team 250 graduates. Over
90% of Team 250’s graduates have pursued
careers in a STEM field; students have attended RPI, Clarkson, Harvard, Stamford, MIT,
WPI, Olin, Drexel and RIT, among others. Many
graduates mentor FIRST Teams during college
and support teams as professionals.
Team 250 has won two regional Engineering Inspiration Awards for advancing respect for engineering and engineers, and eight UL Industrial Safety Awards since 2006 for our comprehensive
safety program and culture. Team 250 is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation. This all volunteer organization is supported fully
through corporate, community, and in-kind contributions. Operating budget is approximately $16,000 per year. The Team 250 receives no direct funding from any school district.
How Can You Help?
Volunteer
Contribute
Connect
• Mentor students in mechanical design, fabrication or
programming
• Provide engineering support
• Arrange company tours for
Team members
• Assist with business plan
development
• Provide direct financial support
• Provide fund-raising opportunities
• In-kind donation of tools
and materials
• Professional Services
Capital Region Robotics
P.O. Box 13024
Albany, NY 12212
518.441.8112
(Deborah Saulsbery)
[email protected]
CATS_sheet_v3.indd 4/24/2011