BERLIN, CT - Twenty-six high school teams from CL & P and Yankee Gas' service territories have been awarded a total of $18,000 in grants to help fund their efforts in the upcoming 2011 FIRST Robotics Competition Northeast Utilities FIRST Connecticut Regional.

In January, teams were invited to apply for the grants.

Applications were judged on five items: team diversity, what types of fundraising the teams were involved with, how these teams have helped mentor other FIRST Robotics teams, and commitment and involvement in community service.

"We had twice as many applications from teams this year, compared to 2010, they were from across the state," said Jeff Butler, president and chief operating officer for CL & P. "It is not only great to see so many students showing an interest in the event, but what I find even more exciting is their interest in what is often referred to as "STEM" - science, technology, engineering and mathematics. There are skills that are vital to this country's future."

The team at Southington High School, the CyberKnights, received the largest grant at $3,000.

Five teams received the second largest grant of $1,000. Operation PEACCE - a 4-H/JC Penney Youth Robotics Team out of Explorations Charter School in Winsted were the recipients of a $1,000 grant.

There was a total of 20 teams that received $500 grants, several of which are from Litchfield County.

Watertown High School's team, Black Magic; Housatonic Valley Regional High School's team Who's CTEKS; and Litchfield High School's team, Litchbots were all recipients of the $500 grant.

The 2011 FIRST Competition Northeast Utilities FIRST Connecticut Regional is March 31 to April 2 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.