Bank helps high school’s robotics team
BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. » Ballston Spa National Bank recently gave $6,000 to help pay for the Ballston Spa High School robotics team’s participation in the US FIRST Robotics Competition.
According to a news release, the funding, combined with additional corporate sponsorships and team fundraising, will allow the district’s team to design and construct a robot according to this year’s specifications, participate in regional competitions, and continue to expand the robotics initiatives in the district.
“On behalf of our team at BSNB, I would like to congratulate the Ballston Spa Central School District and the other corporate partners for their efforts to develop this highly successful program and for achieving this impressive milestone,” said Chris Dowd, president and CEO of Ballston Spa National Bank. “Thanks to strong leadership and the active engagement of students, the program provides a meaningful and very effective complement to the educational infrastructure in this region. For those not familiar with the program, I encourage attending a competition to see firsthand the energy generated and the impressive results of the students’ efforts.”
The district continues to focus on partnerships with business and non-profit organizations throughout the region as part of the Partnership for Innovation in Education program. The increased support for the robotics initiatives in the district provides additional resources to fund teams in the elementary and middle schools as they continue to expand the robotics programs and participate in regional competitions, district officials said.
“Since sponsoring the first high school team over nine years ago, BSNB’s ongoing commitment has helped our program grow to include teams throughout the district and allowed our students to compete three times in the World Finals,” said Laurel Logan-King, assistant superintendent of the Ballston Spa schools “The district would not be able to provide this opportunity for students without BSNB’s partnership and leadership.”
FIRST Robotics competitions combine sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams of 25 students or more are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,: hone teamwork skills, and build and program robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors.
Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. Through the program, district officials said students get to learn 21st century skills from professional mentors; build and compete with a robot of their own design; learn to use sophisticated software and hardware; and compete and cooperate in alliances and tournaments.
For additional information on the BSCSD Partnership for Innovation in Education program, please visit the district website at www.bscsd.org or contact Madeleine Petraglia, coordinator of advancement, at 884-7195, Ext. 1369.