'Chief Delphi' Participates in New York City Regional FIRST Robotics Competition

           Team scheduled for appearance on 'Good Morning America'

    WARREN, Mich., March 15 Delphi Automotive Systems
and Pontiac (Mich.) Central High School's "Chief Delphi" team will
participate in the New York City Regional FIRST (For Inspiration and
Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition, March 15-17 at
Columbia University.  Prior to the competition's opening ceremonies, a small
group of Chief Delphi students are scheduled to appear with Dean Kamen,
founder of FIRST, on ABC television's "Good Morning America" during its
Friday, March 16, broadcast.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001019/DELPHIAS )
    For six weeks, 28 students and six teachers from Pontiac Central High
School, worked with Delphi Interior Systems engineers to design and construct
an original robot, choosing from items in a specified kit of materials
containing a control system, motors, electrical components and batteries in
preparation for the year's competitions.  The robot will be demonstrated live
during the "Good Morning America" segment.
    "Delphi has a longstanding commitment to education," said Barbara A.
Sanders, director of Advanced Development for Delphi Interior Systems.  "One
of the ways we meet this commitment is through FIRST, whose educational focus
is on getting young people interested in science and engineering.
Participating in FIRST is one of the ways Delphi gives back to the community."
    Pontiac Central Principal Dr. Willie B. Aldridge stated, "The entire
community is pleased about our fantastic partnership with Delphi.  This marks
the sixth year Chief Delphi students, sponsored by Delphi Interior Systems and
the Pontiac School District, have participated in the FIRST Robotics
competitions."
    Earlier this month, Chief Delphi returned home with the Judges' Award from
the UTC New England FIRST competition, the competition's top honor, and a
fourth-place finish.  In November 2000 the team visited Washington D.C. to
support and participate in a Student Technology Roundtable held at the U.S.
Department of Commerce, bringing together innovators in the fields of science
and technology.  Additionally, the Chief Delphi team was recognized by Pontiac
Mayor Walter Moore and the Pontiac School District School Board for their
participation in the Roundtable.
    FIRST is a non-profit organization founded in 1989 to interest and inspire
students in mathematics and science.  The FIRST Robotics Competition,
initiated in 1992, is a national engineering contest, which immerses high
school students in the world of engineering.  The students team up with
engineers from businesses and university teachers to get a hands-on, inside
look at the engineering profession.
    For more information about Delphi Automotive Systems, visit Delphi's
Virtual Press Room at http://www.delphiauto.com/vpr . For more information about
Chief Delphi and/or FIRST, visit http://www.chiefdelphi.com .