Geelong Lutheran College robotics students are set to take off to Sydney and Houston for the FIRST Championship in April.
With a $15,000 federal government grant that aims to support STEM students who compete on the international stage, the students take on the best in Sydney and Houston, Texas, USA, where 90 countries will go head-to-head.
The money will go towards travel expenses with Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker saying she was thrilled to visit the two robotics teams that had made it through to their respective international events following their success at the recent inaugural LEGO league national championships.
Ms Coker said the grant supports students in STEM, to help increase the number of students taking part in local and overseas STEM events.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the remarkable Geelong Lutheran College Robotics teams,” she said.
“Their exceptional talent and dedication have earned them a prestigious STEM grant, enabling them to represent our community on the global stage. This grant is not just a recognition of their technical prowess, but a testament to their perseverance and commitment to excellence.”
Geelong Lutheran College executive principal Sue Ellis was also thrilled and excited for the two robotics teams and their coaches.
“Geelong Lutheran College is very grateful for this funding support from the Australian government, which together with sponsorship from local companies will enable our students to compete on the world stage doing something they love,’’ she said.
The SEMATICS 101 team, made up of five Year 6 students, will head to Sydney in July for the Asia Pacific Open Competition.
The SEMATICS 102 team, which comprises seven students from years 7 to 9, will compete in the FIRST 2024 Championship in Houston from April 17 to 20.
In addition to the success of the two teams, GLC SEMATICS coach Jane Hollett received the coach/mentor award at the national competition for her teaching efforts.
