Switch Expands National FIRST® Robotics Partnership with GeorgiaFIRST® Symposium and FIRST® Tech Challenge Kickoff Sponsorship

STEAM education focused GeorgiaFIRST® event teaches students problem solving, teamwork, inspired robot design and building

Atlanta, GA – Switch, the global technology infrastructure corporation that develops hyperscale data center ecosystems for enterprise colocation, differentiated multi-cloud, and industry-leading telecommunications solutions and GeorgiaFIRST® Robotics today announced Switch’s sponsorship of the GeorgiaFIRST Symposium and FIRST® Tech Challenge kickoff. The sponsorship is part of Switch’s expanded involvement with FIRST Robotics and its continued support of STEAM education programs. Switch has aligned its community initiatives with FIRST Robotics in the states where its four PRIME Campus are located including Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada, Grand Rapids, Michigan and now Atlanta, Georgia.

As the technology revolution moves into the “Age of Analytics” defined by AI, big data, machine learning and next generation technologies, Switch is focused on supporting FIRST to create pathways to build a workforce development pipeline of tech talent for the future. FIRST Robotics embraces innovative programming that enables young inventors to apply both engineering and artistic skills with equal mastery to build their final creations as the embodiment of STEAM education. “Switch Founder and CEO Rob Roy became involved with FIRST to increase awareness around careers in technology, particularly among underrepresented groups such as women and minority students,” said Adam Kramer, Switch Executive Vice President of Strategy. “As our company has expanded to Georgia, we are excited about the opportunity to work with GeorgiaFIRST and the other powerhouse companies around the state who are committed to STEAM education.” “GeorgiaFIRST is so pleased to welcome Switch as a new company to Georgia that is focused on the intersection of technology, art, and talent development for the workforce of the future,” said Connie Haynes, GeorgiaFIRST Robotics CEO. “Switch’s community engagement goals align with the work of FIRST Robotics and we look forward to our partnership.”

The one-day Symposium and FIRST® Tech Challenge event provides the opportunity for over 1,200 students from across Georgia to participate in sessions focused on learning more about the fundamentals of FIRST Robotics, including electrical, mechanical, software, hardware, fundraising, sponsorships, and leadership development. The event will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia.

About Switch
Switch (NYSE: SWCH), the technology infrastructure corporation headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada is built on the intelligent and sustainable growth of the Internet. Switch founder and CEO Rob Roy has developed more than 500 issued and pending patent claims covering data center designs that have manifested into the company’s world-renowned data centers and technology solutions.

The Switch PRIMES, located in Las Vegas and Tahoe Reno, Nevada; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Atlanta, Georgia (opening in Q4 2019) are the world’s most powerful hyperscale data center campus ecosystems with low latency to major U.S. markets. Visit switch.com for more information.

About GeorgiaFIRST® 
GeorgiaFIRST Robotics inspires young people to be STEM leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based robotics competitions that build science, engineering and technology aptitude. Our K-12 programs help develop a lifelong love of innovation and encourage the pursuit of STEM careers, while helping kids develop well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership. Learn more and get involved at www.gafirst.org.