NAF Academies of Engineering Win Puerto Rico FIRST® Robotics Competition Championship!

NAF and RTX Celebrate Supporting Over 430 Students Across 32 FIRST® Teams in 8 States

NAF, via RTX’s generosity, is proud to have supported over 430 students, across 32 NAF FIRST® teams in 8 states, who competed in the 2023-24 FIRST® Robotics competitions, including the winners of the Puerto Rico FIRST® Championship: NAF Academies of Engineering at Escuela Benito Cerezo and Escuela Elvira M. Colon Negron.

NAF and RTX recognize that many students lack access to resources necessary to participate in FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). In response to the disparities, RTX provides grants and employee mentors to NAF academies of Engineering, Finance, and Information Technology in select geographies. This creates more opportunities for access and equity for high school students of all backgrounds and capabilities, especially young women, to grow their aspirations and skills in STEM-related career pathways — while building social capital — through outcomes-driven work-based learning.

NAF and RTX are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM education and careers. This season, over 30% of NAF FIRST® team participants were females, and more than 85% of students identified as Hispanic/Latino, Black/African American, Asian, or Multi-Racial.

Check out highlights from the 2023-24 season including highlights from NAF Academy participation in Detroit and Miami. Join us in congratulating the NAF Academies of Engineering at Escuela Benito Cerezo and Escuela Elvira M. Colon Negron for their remarkable achievement at the Puerto Rico FIRST® Regional Championship!

Detroit

A NAF FIRST® team from MLK Jr. Senior High School advanced in several regional tournaments and ultimately competed in the Michigan State FIRST® Championship in early April.

Miami

A NAF FIRST® team from South Dade Senior High School won the Orlando Regional Tournament and earned a spot at the FIRST® World Championship in Houston, TX, where they were able to compete and meet with leaders from RTX.

“We appreciate the kindness and generosity of NAF and RTX, and establishing these grants for schools that would normally not be able to afford these type of competitions. The experiences and memories made this past FRC season will be treasured by my students for the rest of their lives. Not to mention all the possibilities that they have been made aware of through FIRST® alumni resources.” – Miami Sunset Senior High School FIRST® team coach.

Puerto Rico

Two NAF FIRST® teams from Escuela Benito Cerezo and Escuela Elvira M. Colon Negron formed an alliance to win the Puerto Rico FIRST® Championship on March 17.

“The past season was a fantastic experience for our students… We have high expectations for our students, and we must express our gratitude for your contributions, which played a crucial role in their success. Your unwavering support and provision of opportunities have led to their daily achievements, which testify to their increased confidence, progress, and future aspirations.” – Escuela Elvira M. Colon FIRST® team coach

We look forward to another amazing 2024-25 season, kicking off this fall!