Educating the next generation of techies is the only way to keep innovation alive. It’s part of our legacy as an industry. That’s why we take any opportunity to help young people interested in the work we do. In 2017, we hosted a tour for the local, award-winning robotics team, the Nerd Herd. We gave these stellar, NASA-sponsored young techies an inside look at our facilities and process, teaching them the ins and outs of commercial 3D printing and additive manufacturing.

The Nerd Herd participated in their first robotic combat competition that year at the Oregon FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology Robotics) event. This intensely competitive, multinational competition requires high school students to design, construct, and program a robot to compete with other robots.

A panel of judges evaluates each team on its robot’s design and performance, as well as the team’s strategy and collaboration. The Oregon FIRST program pushes these young techies to the boundaries of their potential and beyond, fostering an exciting experience that inspires them to pursue a career in science, technology, and engineering.

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