Fred in the News

The coin of the robotics realm

By Louise Wrege

Herald Palladium

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, and Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, are working to raise money for FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics through the sale of a commemorative coin to honor Christa McAuliffe.

McAuliffe is a science teacher who died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster Jan. 28, 1986.

The bipartisan legislation, HR 5168, seeks to issue the coin to support FIRST’s efforts to mentor and foster STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education, according to a press release from Upton.

“FIRST Robotics is one of the premier groups in the country teaching our kids the benefits of science and math education,” Upton stated in the release. “Because of these opportunities, these kids will grow up to become inventors, engineers, small business owners and community leaders of all stripes.”

Dingell said in the release that she has seen firsthand the positive impact of FIRST Robotics.

“Students are not only getting hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, they are graduating at higher rates and are more likely to pursue careers in science and engineering, where they will help tackle some of our most pressing future challenges,” she stated.

Upton and Dingell were joined by the original co-sponsors, Rep. Randy Hultgren, R-Illinois, and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Oregon.

U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, has introduced similar legislation in the U.S. Senate.