WASHINGTON, March 9, 2016 — (PRNewswire) — Following a successful first year in 2015, the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) today announced it will again sponsor student teams participating in the FIRST® Robotics competitions and the FIRST® Tech Challenge. The "Get Into Energy, Get Into STEM" program will be supported by 12 energy companies and is managed by the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), a consortium of electric, natural gas, and nuclear companies and their associations, including EEI.

"Our industry is committed to encouraging more students to participate in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and to raising awareness of the rewarding careers available in the energy industry," said EEI President Tom Kuhn. "Our support of the FIRST Robotics competitions and FIRST Tech Challenge has been incredibly beneficial for the student teams, and we are proud to support these great programs for a second year. FIRST's innovative programs help students develop critical life skills and knowledge that our companies are looking for in the leaders of tomorrow."

CEWD's support for FIRST will provide funding at the national, regional, and local levels for onsite robot doctors during the 2016 national and super regional competitions. Participating companies also will provide onsite, hands-on support to student participants at each competition level. CEWD's sponsorship of FIRST includes local community support through FIRST Tech team grants. Four of last year's sponsored teams advanced all the way to the FIRST Robotics World Championships.

CEWD member sponsors of the Get Into Energy, Get Into STEM program include: AGL Resources, American Electric Power, Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, Duke Energy, Edison International, Entergy Corporation, Exelon, NextEra Energy, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Public Service Enterprise Group, and Southern Company.

CEWD is a non-profit consortium of electric, natural gas, and nuclear companies. Through partnerships with energy companies, the community, and academia, CEWD helps to foster energy career paths for future employees. To learn more, visit Get Into Energy.

EEI is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. Our members provide electricity for 220 million Americans, operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and directly employ more than 500,000 workers. EEI has 70 international electric companies as Affiliate Members, and 270 industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate Members.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160106/319949LOGO

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/energy-industry-sponsors-first-robotics-and-first-tech-initiatives-300233362.html

SOURCE Edison Electric Institute

Contact:

Edison Electric Institute BRIAN REIL, 202-508-5514 Web: http://www.eei.org