The Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) Atlanta Chapter announced today the selection of Georgia FIRST(For Recognition and Inspiration of Science and Technology) ROBOTICS as its designated charity recipient at the 17th annual EXPO, returning to the Gwinnett Civic Center Thursday, April 18, 2013. Each year, a local charity is selected to benefit from the proceeds of a raffle featuring items donated by EXPO exhibitors, with final proceeds matched by funds from the Atlanta SMTA Chapter. Georgia FIRST will also present a robotics demonstration on the exhibition floor during the upcoming EXPO.
The Georgia FIRST regional program is a non-profit organization promoting interest in science and technology at the junior and high school levels through mentoring by scientists, engineers, business leaders and technicians, combined with real-world experience. Connie Haynes, Regional Director, explains how important it is to engage students at the earliest possible stage. “We live in an ever-increasing, technology-driven, global society. Our goal is to get kids excited about science and technology, then have them attend one of our prestigious institutes of higher learning, and upon graduation, stay in Georgia for their careers. By doing this, we are able to ‘put Georgia first.’ Our best resource, our youth, contribute to the growth and sustainability of our innovative workforce.”
Haynes added that this Georgia FIRST Robotics “engages, celebrates and inspires students as they discover that they can be successful in science, technology, engineering, marketing, website design, 3D animation, communications and more.”
The 17th annual SMTA ATLANTA EXPO is a free event for electronics industry professionals featuring an exhibition, keynote and technical presentations, as well as networking opportunities such as free lunch and coffee breaks on the exhibit floor.
For more information on exhibiting or attending, please visit http://www.smta.org/expos/#atlanta.
The SMTA membership is an international network of professionals who build skills, share practical experience and develop solutions in electronic assembly technologies, including microsystems, emerging technologies, and related business operations.