Students from 38 high school teams in seven states competed for top honors during the 2011 FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Bayou Regional competition held March 17-19 in the New Orleans area. In this photo, members of the robotics team from Gulfport High School guide their robot during the annual tournament. The robotics competition is designed to help encourage students to pursue studies and careers in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. John C. Stennis Space Center is a supporter of FIRST activities and the Bayou Regional tournament.

Students (left) from St. Patrick Catholic High School in Biloxi, Miss., prepare their robot during the 2009 FIRST Robotics Bayou Regional competition.

High school students compete at the 2009 FIRST Robotics Bayou Regional competition held March 19-21 in New Orleans.

Student-built robots maneuver the course during the 2010 Bayou Regional FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics competition in Westwego on March 5-6. The annual competition drew 36 high school teams from eight states. NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center supports FIRST Robotics by providing financing, mentors and training, as well as competition judges and referees, audiovisual staff and other volunteer personnel.

Spectators crew on teams during the 2012 FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Bayou Regional Competition March 15-17, 2012, in Kenner, La. Students from 49 high school teams in six states participated in the annual robotics tournament.

Students (left) from St. Patrick Catholic High School in Biloxi, Miss., maneuver their robot during the 2009 Bayou Regional competition.