Cole Shumaker, a senior drive team member of the Oxford Robocats, was recently recognized as one of two students from around the country to win two FIRST scholarships at the World Championships in St Louis, MO on April 27-30.
He was awarded the ASME Auxilliary FIRST Clarke Scholarship, valued at $5,000 and the Kettering University FIRST Scholarship, valued at $27,500 on April 28.
‘It’s really great to be able to get scholarships for doing something you really enjoy,? Shumaker said. ‘When I joined robotics, I didn’t know about the scholarships, I just wanted to design and build robots.?
He was also awarded the Kettering University Trustee Scholarship, valued at $63,000.
Shumaker, along with the other scholarship winners, was photographed with FIRST founder Dean Kamen, who invented the Segway (the first self-balancing, zero emissions personal transportation vehicle).
Shumaker will be attending Kettering University in Oxtober 2011, where he will major in mechanical engineering with a specialization in aerospace engineering.
‘The experience with FIRST Robotics and the ability to explore engineering courses at Oxford High School has helped me decide what I want to do for a career,? he said.
As part of Kettering’s engineering program, students will co-op with companies that can provide them with engineering experience and real world learning opportunities. After turning down two other offers, Shumaker recently accepted a position with Webasto in Rochester Hills, MI. Webasto has been supplying the automotive industry for over 75 years.
Today, Webasto split into the divisions Convertible Roof and Supply as well as Global Comfort for heating, cooling and ventilation.
He will begin his co-op experience in July.
Shumaker would like to thank Oxford Community Schools and all of the Robocats sponsors for all of their support.
In addition, he adds Robotics is open to anyone, not just those who are considered genius.
‘Most students think you have to be a genius, math whiz or computer pro to be in robotics. That is totally wrong,? he said. ‘If you like to design, build or solve problems, even if it isn’t computer or mechanical related, then there is a place for you in robotics. If you like to compete, strategize or cheer, then robotics has a place for you. Robotics even needs students who are business oriented, website and animation oriented and enviromentally minded.?
‘A lot of us are graduating this year, so we need students to come check out the team and join us for next year,? he added.