Booz Allen Hamilton is committed to supporting science, technology, and engineering, and math (STEM) education, especially in the communities where its employees live and work. In fact, many of the firm’s employees have strong STEM backgrounds, says senior consultant Meredith DeDona. So a student competition called For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) was an ideal fit with the firm’s philosophy.
FIRST inspires young people to be science and technology leaders by involving them in programs that build skills in math, science, writing, business, finance, computer science, fabrication of robots, and teamwork. Since its founding in 1989 by entrepreneur Dean Kamen, nearly a million students and 72,000 volunteers have participated in FIRST, and 2,500+ corporations have served as program sponsors.
FIRST is comprised of four programs, including the FIRST Lego League (FLL) and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). FLL engages students aged 9 – 14 to build an autonomous robot using engineering concepts. FRC challenges high school students to use a standard “kit of parts,” including a metal building set, motors, and software, to build a more sophisticated robot. The robots then compete in FLL and FRC national championships, where they try to solve a common problem.
As a premier sponsor of FIRST, Booz Allen donates grant funds, helps FIRST grow its regional programs, and sponsors FRC teams around the country. But it’s the hundreds of Booz Allen staff who work as mentors and volunteers that drive the firm’s support. These staff volunteers assist student teams with all aspects of the annual program, from robot design and programming to research and project management.
Senior consultant Jarvis Young and several of his co-workers in Los Angeles serve as FIRST mentors. “We provide solid systems engineering expertise and domain expertise with satellite communications development to students. We help teams analyze requirements and assess risks associated with assembly and integration, and assist them with fundamental systems engineering practices to build a robot that will succeed in the competition.
“Gracious professionalism is encouraged during the championships,” he adds. “Teams help other teams when a robot malfunctions. If a team is missing a part, I’ve seen their competitors lend them a spare so the team in need can continue to compete.”
Says Virginia-based senior consultant Jason Stern, “FIRST not only involves us in the technical aspects of building a robot, but we also get to teach, be positive role models for the students, learn from other mentors and teams, build camaraderie, and have fun. There is something immensely rewarding about going to a FIRST competition, seeing all the energy and enthusiasm, and knowing that you aren’t just a spectator, but an integral part of the event.”
Among the dozens of Booz Allen volunteers, vice presidents Doug Himberger, Chuck Jones, and Charlie Zuhoski have served as FIRST judges; Zuhoski and principal Dave Snyder are regional FIRST board members in Virginia and Colorado, respectively; and the firm’s Honolulu office sponsored the first Hawaiian Regional Tournament in 2008. FIRST provides opportunities for the firm to network with clients as well; NASA and DARPA, two of Zuhoski’s clients, are also involved with FIRST.
Charlie Zuhoski
“As judges, we evaluate FIRST teams in 10 categories, including engineering excellence, design excellence, and sportsmanship,” says Zuhoski. “The students must raise money to build the robots, assemble a team, develop a business plan—it’s a highly integrated concept. Achieving a balance of ideas, business, and excellence is more important than the championship.”
Michael Long is a senior associate and mechanical engineer in Virginia. “I tutored middle school children in math and science, and FIRST was a logical extension of that experience,” he says. “Booz Allen will need the innovative and enthusiastic minds of these young people as time goes on to continue its high quality of service to its clients. Everyone benefits from scientific developments, and FIRST is one way we can support the next generation of America’s scientific and technical professionals.”
story posted January 13, 2009
