More than 200 students from Arizona colleges and universities are expected to compete in Avnet, Inc.'s (NYSE:AVT) third annual Avnet Tech Games on April 5, 2008, applying what they are learning in school to real-work scenarios in an effort to earn scholarships. For the first time, this year's event is open to all colleges and universities within the state of Arizona. Already confirmed are teams representing Arizona State University, the University of Advancing Technology and the Maricopa Community Colleges.
Students in this year's Avnet Tech Games will compete in tasks such as building the fastest computer or creating a 30-second promotional commercial for the Phoenix Suns using multimedia technology. Three new games have been added to this year's competition, challenging students to find innovative solutions to common business problems such as building a secure data network or creating an interactive Web site for customers. The new games include the Accenture Tech Challenge, Belkin Patch Panel Madness and Microsoft Build a Business Web Site.
"The Avnet Tech Games are a great example of what's possible when technology companies partner with the education community and collaborate on preparing students for the workforce," said Roy Vallee, chairman and CEO, Avnet, Inc. "Through their participation, students gain practical experience, while developing skills in communication, leadership and teamwork. At the same time, the technology companies involved get a better perspective on the talent offered by today's students."
This annual multidisciplinary technology competition is composed of nine separate competitive events and requires students to work in teams to test their knowledge, creativity, decision-making, problem-solving and technical skills, helping to prepare them for today's highly competitive job market.
The Avnet Tech Games events are:
AMD Build the Fastest Computer - build and assemble the fastest PC from parts that the team has pre-selected
Accenture Tech Challenge - develop and present a proposal that solves an immediate business need by leveraging an innovative technology integration solution
Belkin Patch Panel Madness - build a working data network using provided network diagram, cabling, patch panels, switches and racks
Defense in Depth - connect, configure and effectively secure a computer network so that it is usable and productive to support a fictitious company's business demands
Design and Build a Digital Device - design two conceptually different synchronous state machines (Mealy and Moore) that perform a task described and provided on day of the event
Invent a Technical Product - individuals or teams will conceive, develop and research an innovative product concept that does not already exist in the market or in the patent literature
Microsoft Build a Business Web Site - meet with the client, then design and build an interactive Web site that serves the client's needs
Multimedia Fast Break - put together a 30-second promotional video using the technology of the team's choice to meet a Phoenix Suns advertising scenario given out two weeks before the event
Robot Race Obstacle Course - use the Standard LEGO Mindstorm NXT Robot kit to build and program a robot to maneuver around an obstacle course and perform a set of predefined tasks
Winners will receive scholarships of $1,000 each. The event also incorporates a trade show and networking event to help students connect with prospective employers.
Sponsors for the Avnet Tech Games include Accenture, AMD, Belkin, Maxon, Microsoft and New Angle Media.
Open to the public, the Avnet Tech Games are scheduled to run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 5 at the University of Advancing Technology, 2625 W. Baseline Rd., Tempe, Ariz. More information is available at www.AvnetTechGames.com.
About Avnet
Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT) is one of the largest distributors of electronic components, computer products and technology services and solutions with more than 300 locations serving more than 70 countries worldwide. The company markets, distributes and optimizes the supply-chain and provides design-chain services for the products of the world's leading electronic component suppliers, enterprise computer manufacturers and embedded subsystem providers. Avnet brings a breadth and depth of capabilities, such as maximizing inventory efficiency, managing logistics, assembling products and providing engineering design assistance for its 100,000 customers, accelerating their growth through cost-effective, value-added services and solutions. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, Avnet generated revenue of $15.68 billion. For more information, visit www.avnet.com.Media contacts:Michelle [email protected]