Techno-Nuts Receive Grant From NU

Twenty-four high school teams from Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) and Yankee Gas' service territories have been awarded a total of $15,500 in grants to help fund their efforts in the upcoming 2012 FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition Northeast Utilities FIRST Connecticut Regional.  In January, teams were invited to apply for the grants.

The Berlin Techno-Nuts were one of the teams to get a $500 grant: $500, Techno-Nuts, Berlin High School and Catherine McGee Middle School, Berlin

"It is really exciting to see that the teams are from all over the state," said Jim Muntz, president and chief operating officer, CL&P. "These are students who see the value in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  These are skills that are vital to this country's future."

Applications were judged on team diversity, what types of fundraising the teams were involved with, how these teams have helped mentor other FIRST Robotics teams, and commitment and involvement in community service.

Seven teams have each been awarded $1,000 grants and the remaining 17 are each getting $500 grants.

Over 1,500 high school students are expected to compete in the 2012 Connecticut FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition, March 29 - 31 at Hartford's Connecticut Convention Center.  Northeast Utilities, CL&P and Yankee Gas' parent company, is the title sponsor.