Thanks to the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (USA) Inc. (UJAA), I recently attended the FIRST Technology Challenge – Jamaica National Championship that was held at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium of Jamaica College in Kingston.  Twenty-nine (29) teams participated in the Championship representing 26 high schools from all across the island country including schools from as far west as the parishes of St. Elizabeth and St. James.

Having the privilege of serving as a judge allowed me the opportunity to meet and engage with all of the teams.  It was a thrill to see and feel the excitement of the teams and witness their commitment and dedication as they competed in CENTERSTAGESM presented by RTX. During the 2023-2024 arts-inspired robotics season, FIRST® IN SHOW presented by Qualcomm, our teams celebrated the roles our STEM skills play in the arts, and design and build a world of endless possibilities.

The Winning Alliance was captained by York Castle High School Stingers and the Inspire Award went to the American International School of Kingston Hurricane.  Both teams are in the process of preparing to attend the FTC World Championship which will be held in Houston, TX from 17-20 April 2024.  In addition, Campion College and St. Jago High School will send representatives to the Dean’s List Awards as they join with hundreds of students from around the globe who compete for college scholarships.

As the FTC Jamaica programs continue to build, I am encouraged by the opportunities that these programs make available to our children.  FTC Jamaica is now working on Jamaica’s second FIRST® LEGO League Exhibition/Competition which will be held on 29 June 2024.  Twenty (20) teams will come together for this event in Kingston.  Please incorporate this occasion on your calendar and stay tuned to this website for further time and place details are available.