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.
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 2012-13 Senior Solutions season:
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.
