First Robotics program needs financial help

A program to spark student interest in future careers faces financial troubles. <br><br>The University of Tulsa is sponsoring students from Jenks High School and Booker T Washington in the "First Robotics"

Monday, February 10th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A program to spark student interest in future careers faces financial troubles.

The University of Tulsa is sponsoring students from Jenks High School and Booker T Washington in the "First Robotics" program. Both teams are responsible for building a competitive robot. But they're learning even more than that.

Earl Chandler, FIRST Robotics sponsor, "We're not only teaching basic electricity and pneumatics we're also teaching these kids problem solving team building."

Lauren Waelder, Jenks freshman, "I just think there's something really neat about taking a bunch of metal and plastic and making it into something that can pick up a box or throw a ball or move around."

Local high schools usually pitch in some of the cost for making the robots. But, with the state budget crisis - the money isn't there this year. The students still need $8,000 to attend a national competition in Houston.

If youâ€™d like to sponsor the teams, you can call either 557-8174 or 631-3270