FIRST
Science + Technology + Math + Engineering + Robots + Gracious Professionalism
Founded by Dean Kamen in 1989, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) inspires high school, middle school, and elementary students to get involved with science and technology. One of the biggest platforms of FIRST encourages gracious professionalism, the "respect towards one's competitors and integrity in one's actions." Currently, the program includes 130,000 students, 10,652 robots, 37,000 mentors, and 27,000 event volunteers.

FIRST Robotics Program
This competition is designed to inspire high school students to become engineers by giving them real world experience working with professional engineers to develop a robot. As reported on the FIRST site:
The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in competitions designed by Dean Kamen, Dr. Woodie Flowers, and a committee of engineers and other professionals.
FIRST redefines winning for these students because they are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last.
What is unique about the FRC program?
It is a sport where the participants play with the pros and learn from them.
Designing and building a robot is a fascinating real-world professional experience.
Competing on stage brings participants as much excitement and adrenaline rush as conventional varsity tournaments.
The game rules are a surprise every year.

FIRST Tech Challenge
The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a mid-level robotics competition for high-school students. It offers the traditional challenge of a FIRST competition but with a more accessible and affordable robotics kit.
The FIRST Tech Challenge grew out of the existing FIRST Robotics Competition and the FIRST Robovation platform. FIRST, RadioShack, and Innovation First, Inc. collaborated to develop an improved version of the FIRST Robovation kit. The new kit is significantly upgraded and is called the Vex Robotics Design System. FIRST piloted the competition for two years under the name 'FIRST Vex Challenge' until it was approved as an official program for the 2007 season.
The ultimate goal of FTC is to reach more young people with a lower-cost, more accessible opportunity to discover the excitement and rewards of science, technology, and engineering.

FIRST Lego League
FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is an exciting and fun global robotics program that ignites an enthusiasm for discovery, science, and technology in kids ages 9 to 14 (16 outside of the U.S. and Canada).
Each year FLL teams embark on an adventurous Challenge based on current, real-world issues. Guided by a team coach and assisted by mentors, the kids:
Research and solve a real-world problem based on the Challenge theme
Present their research and solutions
Build an autonomous robot using engineering concepts
Using the yearly Challenges, FLL:
Entices kids to think like scientists and engineers
Provides a fun, creative, hands-on learning experience
Teaches kids to experiment and overcome obstacles
Builds self-esteem and confidence<br/>
Inspires kids to participate in science and technology
No matter what the child's subject interest, FLL offers an opportunity for engagement. Whether it is by creativity, technology, or research, FLL dares kids to test, explore, expand, or completely change thoughts and approaches for different sciences each year.

How to Get Involved
1) Get to Know FIRST.

Sign up for the FIRST mailing list through the FIRST Press Room. Key FRC informational material is kept on this page. For more specific information, email customerservie@usfirst.org.

2)Get Your Company Involved.
By becoming a sponsor for a team or even or by becoming a supplier, you can learn first-hand how the FIRST program changes the lives of all involved. Visit the FIRST web page, http://www.usfirst.org, to find events and teams in your area. Materials are available to decide at what level your organization can participate.

3) Mentor a Team

 

By mentoring a team, you will work with high school students to learn the design and build process. Organization, team-building, and business models are all aspects of FIRST, and mentors are needed on many different levels.

 

4) Get to Know Your FIRST Community.
Volunteering for a local event is one of the best ways to meet FIRST participants in your area. Volunteers are crucial for FIRST success, and you can learn more and sign up at https://my.usfirst.org/vims/logon.lasso?page=logon.

 

*Borrowed with permission from Team Broncobots

We want to thank our sponsors for supporting us this 2010 season! View our sponsors HERE.