The Gene R. O’Brien Memorial scholarship was established by the membership of Mid-Atlantic Robotics to honor the memory of Gene R. O’Brien (PE retired) who passed away in June of 2022.
Gene was a founding member of Mid-Atlantic Robotics and an architect of the early organization. He subsequently served Mid-Atlantic Robotics and FIRST Mid-Atlantic in many roles including Chairman of the Board, Finance Committee chair, and Grants Committee chair. He tirelessly advocated for students and initiatives to advance the mission of FIRST. Known for his parliamentary expertise, he was a source of wisdom and the consistent voice of reason as a member of the board of directors.
Gene was known to all as a man of great integrity, patience, and kindness. He listened carefully to alternative views and provided valuable guidance intended to advance the mission of Mid-Atlantic Robotics.
Each year up to two (2) $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to (an) individual(s) who perpetuate his respect for the role of procedure in engineering, to assist with the costs of pursuing further education. Applicants must be current seniors on a competing FIRST Mid-Atlantic Robotics Team and must reside within the Mid-Atlantic Robotics geographical footprint.
Awarding of the Gene R. O’Brien Memorial Scholarship is contingent on acceptance and enrollment into an accredited educational institution and a submitted essay demonstrating their understanding of the role of policies, process, and procedure in engineering.
The Gene R. O’Brien Memorial Scholarship award is an outright grant, paid to the educational institute.
Application Requirements:
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- Completed application and submission of materials by 5:00PM Sunday, March 24th.
- A signed declaration from the lead or alternate lead of the student’s registered FIRST robotics team attesting to the student’s participation on that team as a member in good standing for at least one (1) year.
- An Essay, not to exceed 1,000 words, on the importance of policy, process, and procedure in engineering. Applicants are encouraged to specifically cite examples from their personal FIRST experience.
Each year submitted applications will be reviewed by a Scholarship Committee, assembled by the Chair of Mid-Atlantic Robotics, who will choose up to two (2) applicants to be awarded the Gene R. O’Brien Memorial Scholarship. Any Committee member who has a direct relationship (familial or team related) with an applicant will recuse themselves from the committee. The Committee’s decisions are final and not subject to any judicial or other review.
Awarding of the Gene R. O’Brien Memorial Scholarship will take place at the FIRST Mid-Atlantic District Championship event. Applicants do not need to be present to receive the scholarship. All applicants will be notified by email of any scholarship award or denial on or before May 1st.
Upon notification of receipt of the Gene R. O’Brien Memorial Scholarship, it is the responsibility of the awardee to notify [email protected] of the educational institution that should receive the awarded funds. Failure to provide this information within one (1) year of receipt of the scholarship will result in a forfeit to all claims to said scholarship.
Any questions can be directed to [email protected].