Will.I.Am. is doing his part to help fund and encourage the next generation of science and technology gurus, by linking up with FIRST founder Dean Kamen for i.am.FIRST — Science is Rock and Roll, an innovative one-hour TV special that promotes education, science and technology.
FIRST is the acronym for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, and tonight’s TV special will take a look at the 20th annual F.I.R.S.T. championship, which is a worldwide science and robotics K-12 competition that celebrates technology.
In addition to showcasing the robotics work of students from around the globe, there will be apearances and performances from Snoop Doggy Dog, Justin Timberlake, Willow Smith, Justin Bieber and the Black Eye Peas.
I love technology and think this is a great way to connect hip hop with science. The FIRST program has awarded over $15 million dollars in scholarships over the years and receives support from several Fortune 500 companies. To learn more about their work, visit the FIRST program’s website.
i.am FIRST: Sciene Is Rock and Roll airs tonight August 14, 2011 at 7PM EST. According to Forbes, Will.I.Am. is funding tonight’s TV special with his own money.