STATEHOUSE (Feb. 7, 2022) – State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) recently welcomed Lawrence North and Lawrence Central high school students from the FIRST Indiana Robotics team to the Statehouse as they promoted the preK-12 program.
As members of the McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology 1024 Kil-A-Bytes Robotics Team, the local students participate in mentor-based robotics programs to further their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math. The Kil-A-Bytes are part of a global youth-service nonprofit, FIRST Robotics, which is a STEM engagement program facilitated through schools and afterschool programs.
"The students on these teams learn valuable lessons in communicating, working together and competing," Jeter said. "I just think it's an incredible program. The complexity of the things they do, like scouting other programs and making repairs on their prototypes, it's just really impressive, and it helps build up our future leaders."
The Kil-A-Bytes face a progression of team-based robotics challenges, and through the years, achieved success while competing. In 2016, they won the Indiana state competition through a strategic alliance with several other teams, followed by multiple state championship appearances.
FIRST Indiana Robotics President Renee Becker-Blau said the program allows students to grow intellectually and as individuals. She said it's not about the robot, it's about the students and the life skills they are building.
"The reason the FIRST program is so important is because it allows students to have those mentorships partnered with hands-on opportunities," Becker-Blau said. "The problem solving, engaging in the community and the core values are an important part of FIRST. These values are professionalism, teamwork, curiosity and discovery. Those pieces are then celebrated at these intense competitions."
Becker-Blau said 84% of students involved in this program go on to pursue a degree in the science, technology, engineering and math field. It is not only an excellent outlet for students, but it also helps them plan for their future careers.
Indiana FIRST offers elementary FirstLEGO leagues, First Tech Challenges for middle school students and First Robotics for high school students. To learn more and get involved with FIRST Robotics, visit firstindianarobotics.org/get-involved/.
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State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) represents House District 88,
which includes portions of Marion, Hamilton and Hancock counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
