Courtesy photo BAE Systems is sponsoring a new, nationwide annual scholarship and internship program to enhance opportunities for high school seniors that plan to seek a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

NASHUA — Calling all aspiring engineers: BAE Systems officials plan to launch a FIRST Robotics Scholarship Program for high school seniors who plan to seek a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, more commonly known as STEM.

This is part of a new nationwide and annual scholarship and internship program put out by the company.

The BAE Systems FIRST®Robotics Scholarship and Internship Program will grant a total of $40,000 in scholarships to eight students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in a technology or engineering field. Through this scholarship, the eight students picked will also be awarded a paid three-month summer internship at BAE Systems.

The $5,000 scholarship (per student) will be split into increments of four in recognition of academic years.

“This unique format allows BAE Systems to support the development of the students and invest in their education each year as they work toward a degree,” the company’s news release states.

Officials said the scholarships will be awarded annually in May to those that have been on a FIRST Robotics Competition or FIRST Tech Challenge team sponsored by the company’s Electronic Systems sector within the past two years.

FIRST, also known as For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, is recognized as a national organization that has a mission to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. The organization has received support from BAE Systems for more than 25 years.

John Bugeau, BAE Systems deputy vice president of Engineering said, “We’ve been a supporter of FIRST for a very long time. We’ve continued to grow this relationship with FIRST and this is the next step in that continuum.”

Bugeau said 30 percent of BAE engineers have participated in FIRST. BAE has also donated more than $9 million to FIRST teams and events.

Company leaders said the three-month summer internship through the scholarship will offer hands-on experience to work on projects and programs with a leading technology company.

Bugeau said, “We want to immerse these young students with some of the best engineers in the industry.”

Bugeau emphasized the importance of getting younger generations involved in STEM fields.

“I think if you look at the number across the world and certainly across the U.S., there aren’t enough people going into the STEM field,” Bugeau said.

However, Bugeau said these scholarships are a way for BAE to provide the company with a “robust talent pipeline of technology-savvy younger people” to fill open jobs.

Bugeau said a bonus resulting from scholarships such as these is the connections that are formed.

“We have found that the teens we support with mentors, they learn about BAE Systems, they form relationships, and as they go into their post secondary education, they want nothing more than to have an opportunity to work at BAE Systems,” Bugeau said. “We do take advantage of that as much as we can because these are bright kids and we have a lot of spots to fill.”

Students who are interested in applying or learning more can visit https://www.baesystems.com/en-us/error-page?pagefor=our-company/inc-businesses/electronic-systems/in-the-community/first-scholarship-program.

Grace Pecci may be reached at 594-1243, or at gpecci@nashuatelegraph.com.

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