Rockwell Collins reaches out to students

On Saturday, I witnessed an example of corporate good citizenship: Rockwell Collins' sponsorship of the First Lego League in Iowa. Also, I read that America ranks lower than we would like against other countries in terms of education.

I have no affiliation with Rockwell Collins, so my point of view and information on First Lego League comes from a parent whose son has benefitted from this wonderful resource for our state.

Teams of students in grades 4-8 are formed. After school hours, they:

-- Research a preassigned topic.

-- Develop a presentation to outline the solutions they have identified.

-- Design/build/program an autonomous robot to complete preassigned topic missions.

The culminating event in Cedar Rapids is the regional competition. Teams display their accomplishments highlighting their teamwork and cooperation skills, show their team spirit and pit their robot against those of other teams.

The event would not be successful at any cost without the volunteers -- retired and current Rockwell Collins engineering/technical staff, and teachers/mentors mostly from the school systems.

As for America's declining educational rankings, this is important. But what is being done in Iowa is a shining example as we look for ways to finetune educational opportunities for children.

I learned more about Rockwell Collins' initiatives to make Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) available and engaging to kids. You can view a video by searching YouTube for “Rockwell Collins - STEM video contest.”

I'm not alone when I say, “Thank you!”

Joan Kettelkamp

Marion