SolidWorks Software Helps 56 U.S. FIRST Schools Build and Test Robots for National Robotics Competition

<%=company1%>, a leading provider of affordable, easy-to-use 3D CAD software for the mainstream market, today announced that it has provided more than 500 seats of SolidWorks(R) software to 56 high schools throughout the United States competing in the 2001 FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology) Robotics Competition. The grant is part of SolidWorks' ongoing commitment to supporting events and organizations that expose students to the practical applications of design engineering.

The FIRST Robotics Competition is a national engineering contest that immerses high school students in the exciting world of engineering. Teaming up with engineers from local businesses and universities, students get a hands-on, inside look at the design process as they engineer, test and build robots, and then compete with other teams from around the United States. The SolidWorks grants provide high school FIRST teams with a SolidWorks Lab Pack, which consists of 10 licenses each of SolidWorks software, PhotoWorks(TM) and SolidWorks Animator, as well as 10 student workbooks, a Getting Started book, a Teacher's Guide and 10 SolidWorks mouse pads.

"The SolidWorks Lab Pack will enable our students to jump into the world of 3D solid modeling," said Mike Choroneko, a technology education teacher at Upper Darby High School in Upper Darby, Penn. "We will use SolidWorks to aid in the design of parts for our FIRST Robot, as well as many applications throughout our drafting programs."

"FIRST is an outstanding academic organization that's helping to increase student interest in engineering and science," said Rosanne Kramer, manager of SolidWorks Education Markets. "Organizations like FIRST help schools revitalize their science and technology programs, and help inspire teachers to take their students beyond the boundaries of traditional instruction. SolidWorks is pleased to provide U.S. FIRST teams with industry leading software that will introduce students to real-world engineering challenges and state-of-the-art 3D design solutions."

During the course of six weeks, students and engineers work together to brainstorm, design, construct and test their robots as they prepare to face off against other robots from around the country. The teams compete in regional competitions throughout March with the National Championship taking place in Disney World's Epcot Center in Orlando, Florida from April 5-7, 2001.