Novelis Korea supports Yeongju middle school robotics team's trip to world championship

Novelis Korea Yeongju plant manager Lee Sang-in, left, holds a scholarship certificate with a Daeyeong Middle School Eagles team student during a sponsorship event at the school in Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, Wednesday. Courtesy of Novelis Korea

Novelis Korea said Wednesday it provided 26 million won ($17,564) to support a robotics team at Daeyeong Middle School in Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, as they prepare to compete in a global championship in the United States.

A ceremony was held Wednesday at Daeyeong Middle School, attended by Lee Sang-in, plant manager of Novelis' Yeongju factory, along with representatives from the Yeongju Office of Education, Gyeongbuk College and the Federation for Education of Creative Science & Technology.

The school's Eagles team scored highest among 72 domestic and international teams at the 2026 Korea Robot Championship, held in January at Daejeon Convention Center.

The victory earned the team a berth at the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship scheduled for late April in Houston, Texas. It is the second consecutive year the Eagles have qualified for the global event.

The sponsorship funds will cover expenses, including airfare and competition registration fees.

"It is truly meaningful to see that hands-on education, driven by collaboration between the local enterprise and partner organizations, has led to tangible results in nurturing future talent," said Lee Yong-taek, superintendent of the Yeongju Office of Education.

"I hope our students will showcase their full potential with confidence on the global stage."

Lee Sang-in, the plant manager of Novelis' Yeongju facility, added, "I am incredibly proud of the Eagles, whose passion and spirit of challenge have taken them to the global stage for the second consecutive year.

"We will continue to support the growth of local talent who will lead future industries."

Novelis Korea has supported STEM education through a robotics scholarship program for middle and high school students in Yeongju since 2019. Approximately 400 students have completed the program to date.

Novelis Korea is the Korean subsidiary of Novelis, described as the world's largest aluminum rolling and recycling company and a subsidiary of Hindalco Industries.

This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.