Kloeckner & AFI Support Nashville’s FIRST Robotics Competition

One way Kloeckner is proud to give back is through its sponsorship of and participation in the First Robotics Competition (FRC) put together by FIRST, a non-profit dedicated to inspiring young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators.

FIRST is known for its mentor-based programs, like FRC, that build science, engineering, and technology skills and foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership. According to founder Dean Kamen, the vision of FIRST is to “transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders.

FIRST was founded in 1989 and is now universally recognized as the leading, not-for-profit STEM engagement program for kids worldwide. American Fabricators Inc. (AFI), a Kloeckner Metals fabrication shop located in Nashville, Tennessee, was honored to take part in FRC in 2019 and plans to do so again this year for the 2020 competition.

Thanks to the hard work of the Blue Alliance team, we’re proud to share that after competing in the Rocket City Regional in Huntsville and the Smoky Mountain Regional in Knoxville, they received the Rookie All-Star Award and the Rookie Highest Seed Award at Smoky Mountain, gaining an invitation to compete at the Championship in Houston with hundreds of other teams from across the globe.

The positive impact of FRC is gratifying and well documented. According to FIRST, over 88% have more interest in doing well in school and 92% are more interested in attending college. Kloeckner Metals and AFI are ecstatic to be a part of FIRST, FRC, and the cultivation of STEM innovation and leadership skills at the high school level and beyond.