For those interested in science and technology it is important to have access to equipment and supplies. For the US FIRST team 1619 the Career Development Center (CDC), 1200 South Sunset Street, Longmont, CO provides the students with a wide range of tools and machines to fill that need.

In the machine shop at CDC is a metal lathe, band saw, drill press and end mill as well as measuring equipment such as calipers and micrometers. This equipment with its associated bits and cutting tools can be used to make a wide range of custom designed items. This is important for Team 1619 as they endeavor to build a competitive robot for the regional contest this year in Denver, March 28-29 at the Richie Center. The students and mentors of the Robotics Club are able to rely on this equipment to create high quality mechanical solution to technical problems.

The latest addition to the family of equipment at CDC is the Haas TM-1P mill which was acquired this year. This provides a state of the art metal cutting. It has a tool holder for 10 different tools. It is fully programmable.

To more fully leverage the capabilities of the equipment at CDC the facility has Inventor, Mastercam and other software for designing items and for programming the machines. With engineers, machinists and other professionals providing guidance the students have a chance to pick up valuable skills which they can then demonstrate to family, friends or prospective employers.

FIRST has as its mission to inspire young people to build science, engineer and technology skills. With the CDC facility this mission is being forwarded and brought to fruition.