CNS helps kickoff Bushland robotics program

CNS presents $10,000 to school district

AMARILLO, Texas – Consolidated Nuclear Security’s (CNS) donation of $10,000 to Bushland Independent School District (ISD) will kick-start an initiative to take learning high tech.

Representatives from CNS, managing and operating contractor of the U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration’s Pantex Plant, presented the $10,000 check to Bushland ISD today to help create a multi-level robotics program.

“We are pleased to have this opportunity to invest in our community and further science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education in this region,” said Joe Papp, CNS Director of Mission Engineering. “This is a way to encourage the next generation of scientists, engineers and technical professionals.”

The district plans to form elementary, middle and high school teams to participate in FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics competitions.

FIRST® was founded in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology.

"STEM education is vital to the future of our children. A robotics program at Bushland ISD will foster interest in STEM and growth in learning for our students. We are excited to form a partnership with CNS/Pantex to get the program off of the ground. We appreciate everyone who has been involved in making the creation of the robotics program happen," said Bushland Superintendent, Don Wood.

In addition to financial support, CNS has helped Bushland ISD form a mentor-protégé relationship with Oak Ridge Schools in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The two will share experiences and best practices.

Bechtel, Lockheed Martin and Booz Allen Hamilton, all CNS member companies, are corporate sponsors of FIRST®. Bechtel was named a FIRST® strategic partner in October 2014.

Joe Papp, CNS Director of Mission Engineering, presents the $10,000 donation to Don Wood, Bushland ISD Superintendent, to kick off the district's robotics program.

Don Wood (left), Bushland ISD Superintendent, discusses how the CNS donation will help the Bushland robotics program with Savannah Gates, a CNS Pantex engineer and 2008 Bushland graduate.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS) operates the Pantex Plant, located in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, under a single contract for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on the performance excellence and the imperatives of safety, security, zero defects and delivery as promised.

For more information on each site, visit www.pantex.com or www.y12.doe.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. Follow Y-12 on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr.