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What Is INSciTE Illinois?
INSciTE Illinois concentrates on the INspiration of Science and
TEchnology for youth, primarily through exciting technology
programs that grab the attention of youth. These programs are also
intended to provide a balanced learning experience that help prepare
youth for tomorrow's workplace, not only in science and technology but
also through other educational and personal skills that foster success
such as creativity, teamwork, presentation skills, gracious
professionalism, and self-confidence. While the program is not
aimed at any specific group, there is an effort to encourage broad
participation in science and technology, particularly in groups that
are underrepresented such as ethnic groups and women.
Background
History:
FIRST LEGO League Robotics competitions were first held in Illinois
starting in 1998 with the national pilot for this activity held at the
Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. The first official
year in 1999 had approximately 30 teams (approximately 200 students),
and it has grown rapidly ever since. Motorola Inc. started
sponsoring tournaments in Illinois in 2000 and has continued ever
since. In 2003 there were over 170 teams (over 1,200 students)
participating in the state. This increased growth and the
corresponding need for increased volunteers, management, and funding,
led Motorola Inc. to pursue having an organization formed to run this
activity in Illinois. In 2003 paperwork for a 501(c)(3)
corporation was prepared, volunteers were identified and an
organization was put in place. For the first time we had regional
tournaments (11) as qualifiers for a state tournament. Over 170
teams participated with 56 going to the state tournament. Funding
was provided by Motorola.
Statistics for the 2007-08 season:
- 265 teams in Illinois
- 61 cities represented
- 16 regional qualifying tournaments
- 64 teams in the state tournament
Goal:
The goals of the program are to increase the number and excellence of
youth going into scientific and technical pursuits which is a major
need for the nation and world communities. A sub-goal is to
encourage expansion of the talent pool by tapping into the fertile
ground represented by groups that are currently under-represented in
the scientific and technical communities.
Objective:
These goals would be accomplished primarily by offering exciting
technology programs that grab the attention of youth. These programs
are also intended to provide a balanced learning experience that not
only inspires youth in technology but also provides other educational
and personal skills that foster success in science and technology such
as creativity, teamwork, presentation skills, gracious professionalism,
and self-confidence. While the program is not aimed at any
specific group, there is an effort to encourage broad participation in
science and technology, particularly in groups that are
underrepresented such as ethnic groups and women.
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"I can't stress enough how important the next generation of scientists and engineers will be, and captivating their minds at this age is the only way to get them."
-Major General Paul Nielsen
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