WHEREAS, too few young people recognize the opportunity, power, and joy of a lifetime of solving problems through science, technology, and engineering; and

WHEREAS, students need new perspectives on their potential and the rewards of a life in science and technology, and to gain access to a career path that provides higher-education scholarship opportunities as well as employment opportunities with the world's leading technology companies; and

WHEREAS, girls, minorities, and the underprivileged have traditionally been discouraged from pursuing careers in science, math, and engineering; and

WHEREAS, a host of present-day and future challenges, from the improved health of individuals to reversing environmental degradation, from space travel to housing and feeding the world’s population, can all be addressed by innovative technologies; and

WHEREAS, the benefits and practice of teamwork and gracious professionalism, understood and experienced at a young age, will lead to fuller lives and more vibrant and caring communities, NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors endorses the goals of the organization known as FIRST: to advance student interest in, and knowledge of, science, mathematics, and engineering; to demonstrate the power and rewards of teamwork through direct student involvement; and to boost the self-esteem and positive self-image of every student participant; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors publicly recognizes the many positive achievements of FIRST: engaging 73,000 students in technology programs; involving 40,000 adult volunteers in support of these students; coordinating the contributions of 2,500 sponsors; and arranging for $8 million in scholarships; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors salutes and offers its congratulations to the 25,000 students who participated in this year’s preliminary competitions; to the 340 high school teams who competed in the Championship April 21-23 in the Georgia Dome; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors encourages all cities to embrace FIRST and its support of student involvement in math, science, and engineering to the City of Atlanta, under the leadership of Mayor Shirley Franklin, whose hospitality and support for two consecutive years have helped to make the FIRST Championship an event of significance, achievement, and pride.