Cisco Systems helped create 20 new FIRST LEGO League teams for more than 120 students in grades 4-8 – enabling them to create innovative solutions to challenges facing todays scientists while developing career and life skills, and becoming more involved in their community.

Background

Arizona’s Yuma County is a rural region along the Mexican border. Inspiring students at a young age to engage in their own education is critical to helping them achieve success later in life, and to help build a solid workforce pipeline for the region.

Model of Inspiration

Cisco Systems donated $35,000 to create 20 new FIRST LEGO League teams for more than 120 students in grades 4-8. This pilot program also worked to recruit teachers as after-school Coaches; offer professional development for new Coaches and Mentors; and added a FIRST LEGO League qualifying tournament to the region. In addition, it increased the number of female and Hispanic students who participated in FIRST in Yuma County.

Hard Work Pays Off

Students were enabled to create innovative solutions to challenges facing todays scientists; use LEGO MINDSTORMS technology; apply real-world math and science concepts; develop career and life skills including critical thinking, time management, collaboration, and communication while becoming more self-confident; become more involved in their community.

“I am extremely proud of my team. We learned that although many goals are hard to achieve, with team work, they are not impossible.” — FIRST LEGO League Coach Mehulkumar Gandhi

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