Seventh grader Rahul Bhardwaj, a member of the state-champion FIRST Lego League team from Bellevue’s International School, was among three students who testified Jan. 28 at the state Capitol to endorse a bill that career- and technical-education (CTE) programs in middle schools.

Rep. Ross Hunter of the 48th District and Rep. Marcie Maxwell of the 41st District are among the sponsors of the measure.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an organization that encourages students to pursue careers in engineering and technology by hosting annual robotics competitions.

The contests allow students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom.

“We can influence younger generations to become engineers by showing them how fun the work can be,” said FIRST Northwest Regional Director Debra Mumm-Hill.

Middle-school students build their robots with Lego parts and compete in the FIRST Lego League.

The International School’s First Lego League team won the top spot in Washington’s 2008 competition, earning the right to compete April 17-19 at the world championship in Atlanta.

According to Mumm-Hill, only six percent of college students in the United States study engineering, whereas 68 percent of the offers at job-placement offices are for engineers.

Joshua Adam Hicks can be reached at 425-453-4290.