The Northern Virginia Technology Council Foundation has been an active participant and supporter of the KISS Institute's Botball Tournament, a yearly event that brings teams of students together to design and build robots that compete with other student teams from around the region. Students gain valuable work-related and technological skills as they engage in the practical application of robotic technology and interact with mentors from high-tech companies.

In 2004, the Equal Footing Foundation sponsored teams from three of our Computer Clubhouses: Bailey's, Gum Springs and Willston, to compete in the Washington DC-area regional competition for a chance to advance to the national competition.

Please help in supporting our teams for the next year's competition. NVTC member companies can be a Corporate Sponsor of our clubhouse teams or simply make a contribution to the Equal Footing Foundation to purchase the robotics kits for the teams. Companies can provide mentors (individuals who work in robotics, engineering, or design) to teach and work with the students to design and program their robots, or help in construction of the team Web sites, one of the requirements for the competition; volunteers can assist with logistical planning and promotion of the tournament.

For more information about the Botball Tournament or how you can become involved, visit www.botball.org or contact the Equal Footing Foundation.