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The Bomb Squad robotics team from Mountain Home has been named runner-up in the Inclusion category of Optimum’s seventh annual Innovator Awards.
The team will receive a $1,500 grant to support its FIRST robotics program. Optimum, a provider of internet, mobile, TV and phone services, selected the team for its work making robotics open to all students.
The Bomb Squad welcomes participants from any school and currently includes members from several schools, along with one student from out of state. Organizers said the team’s approach reflects a belief that inclusion starts with access.
The Optimum Innovator Awards recognize FIRST Robotics Competition teams for innovation, teamwork and community impact during the season. Categories include community engagement, technology, inclusion, inspiration and sustainability.
This year Optimum is distributing nearly $25,000 in grants to five winners, five runners-up and 14 honorable mentions. Winners receive $2,000, runners-up receive $1,500 and honorable mentions receive $500.
The Mechanical Bulls of Smithtown, New York, won the Inclusion category. The Bomb Squad finished second in that category.
FIRST is a nonprofit that runs mentor-based programs to build student skills in science, technology, engineering and math. Optimum sponsored more than 70 teams and six regional competitions this season, and company employees volunteered and mentored students at the events.
More information about the awards is available at https://www.optimum.com/community/first-robotics-partnership.
