FARMINGTON, N.M.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Two Navajo Nation-based robotics teams are headed to an international robotics competition after winning Rezbotics, a robotics competition sponsored by Navajo Transitional Energy Company (NTEC). The event was held on Feb. 8 at Diné College in Tsaile, Arizona.
Rocksisaan Tech from Navajo Mountain High School, and BMS Rez Kids from Baker Middle School in Kayenta, Arizona, placed first and second, respectively, at Rezbotics. This second annual competition featured middle and high school teams from schools on and near the Navajo Nation.
Both teams have secured their place to compete in the prestigious FIRST Championship in Houston, Texas this April. The four-day international robotics competition is the pinnacle of success for young roboticists worldwide. In collaboration with the CocoNuts robotics team from Coconino High School in Flagstaff, Arizona, FIRST has recognized the Rezbotics winners as state-level victors, granting them entry into the Championship.
“We have been working to expand Rezbotics and are proud to see 12 schools participate this year. We want to thank the CocoNuts and FIRST for partnering with us to create opportunities for these students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Rezbotics is an investment in Navajo Nation students,” said Nathan Tohtsoni, NTEC education coordinator. Many of the schools on the Navajo Nation are in remote areas with limited access to STEM related experiences and learning.
Rocksisaan Tech is a repeat winner from last year and BMS Rez Kids is a first-time qualifier for the competition. Kayenta Coltz and Boltz from Kayenta, Arizona and the RoboCougars from Rock Point Community School placed third and fourth at Rezbotics, earning slots to compete at any of the FIRST National robotics competitions – an expanded opportunity introduced in this year’s event.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren attended the competition showing his support of the students. Rezbotics was also honored to welcome members from the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who enriched the event with their presence and expertise.
“Rezbotics is one of several programs NTEC offers to Navajo students. We have also partnered with regional AISES chapters and national AISES conferences. We are committed to supporting the continued growth of Navajo students,” said Andy Hawkins, NTEC senior community relations manager.
NTEC will provide funding to offset registration costs for the two teams advancing to the FIRST Championships.
Rezbotics will be recruiting Navajo area teams again next fall, offering another chance for teams to represent the Navajo Nation at the FIRST Championships.
“NTEC remains committed to fostering the growth and development of young engineers and innovators within the Navajo community,” Hawkins added.
About NTEC
Navajo Transitional Energy Company (NTEC) is a world-class, diversified energy company with a unique purpose and vision. Established by the Navajo Nation to exercise sovereignty over its abundant natural resources, NTEC has grown rapidly and now has a sizeable and successful portfolio of mining, energy generation, and helium assets. NTEC is committed to achieving multi-generational, clean energy solutions that ensure the continued prosperity of the Navajo Nation while providing essential power to the entire Southwest and beyond.
NTEC was recognized with the Sentinels of Safety award from the National Mining Association, the Safety Award for Large Surface Mine from the Rocky Mountain Coal Institute, and the OSMRE National Award for Excellence in Surface Mining Reclamation in 2024, 2022, and 2020. For more information, visit www.navenergy.com.
