A Kalani High School student was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Hawaii at Manoa as part of the FIRST robotics competition.
Eric Teshima is the captain of Kalani High School’s robotics team.
Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard officially granted the robotics engineering scholarship to Teshima.
"Eric was one of the founders of Kalani’s robotics program, and we want innovative leaders like him on our team," said Shipyard Commander Capt. Brian Osgood. "Our support for science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs in Hawaii is expanding rapidly, and this scholarship is just one example of how the Shipyard invests in Hawaii‘s youth."
The scholarship pays for four years of tuition, fees and books at the UHM College of Engineering. It rewards Teshima for his extensive leadership over the past three academic years in FIRST robotic competitions, overall scholastic achievement, interest in engineering, leadership skills and sense of service and patriotism.
Teshima will be allowed to work part-time or full-time during the fall and spring semesters, and full-time during the summer break. Upon earning his degree, he will be offered an engineering position in the Shipyard noncompetitively.
"The Shipyard gave me the opportunity to further my education in engineering," said Teshima.
"It also allowed me to make the decision to stay in Hawaii and mentor my former robotics team at Kalani. It also gives me the opportunity to work with a wonderful group of engineers at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard."
The scholarship also gives Teshima the opportunity to earn an engineering degree while working alongside engineers at the Shipyard for hands-on experience with real Navy warships.
FIRST Robotics competitions encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) while building team communication and leadership skills.
The Shipyard, with nearly 600 nuclear, mechanical, civil and other engineers, is the largest employer of engineers in Hawaii. The Shipyard strongly promotes student interest in STEM through its robotics scholarship and employees’ mentorship of youths in robotics programs at intermediate and high schools.
See the original article at: KHON2 Developing Stories
