Of the six scholarships, four are for students who have participated in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics program. Two scholarships are for returning "kama'aina" — students from Hawai'i who are studying on the Mainland — to contribute to the growth of intellectual infrastructure and the economy.

"These scholarships support the college's interest in developing a larger, technology-based workforce in Hawai'i," said Peter Crouch, dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa. "Additionally, the support for the FIRST robotics program will help top students remain in Hawai'i. We are grateful to BAE Systems and look forward to working with them in the future."

As a major supporter of FIRST robotics, and of Gov. Linda Lingle's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math programs, BAE Systems provides sponsorship and mentorship for four area high schools: McKinley, 'Iolani, Radford, and Maryknoll.

"These scholarships provide a small but important connection between the business community and the University of Hawai'i, supporting the next generation of technology leaders in the state," said Ty Aldinger, identification and surveillance site manager for BAE Systems in Honolulu.

"Especially important are the 'Kamaaina Come Home' scholarships, as University of Hawai'i President David McClain calls them, which allow Hawai'i resident students who are matriculating on the Mainland to come home to finish their education at the University of Hawai'i," added Bob Putes, local site manager for BAE Systems Information Technology.