For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology Organization/Company Name Here Date

“ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder FIRST ® : “To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders.” Dean Kamen, Founder Vision Mission To inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

“ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder “We want to change the culture by celebrating the mind. We need to show kids that it’s more fun to design and create a video game than it is to play one.” Dean Kamen Founder Dean Kamen, Founder FIRST ® :

“ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder »501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity »Founded 1989, by inventor Dean Kamen »Headquarters in Manchester, NH »Programs for K-12 –FIRST ® Robotics Competition (FRC ® ) for Grades 9-12 (ages 14-18), 1992 –FIRST ® Tech Challenge (FTC ® ) for Grades 9-12 (ages 14-18), 2005 –FIRST ® LEGO ® League (FLL ® ) for Grades 4-8 (ages 9-16; 9-14 in the U.S. and Canada), 1998 –Junior FIRST ® LEGO ® League (Jr.FLL ™ ) for Grades K-3 (ages 6-9), 2005 »FIRST Place R&D facility and science & technology resource to the community Who We Are FIRST ® :

“ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder FIRST ® Programs: FIRST Learning … never stops building upon itself, starting at age 6 and continuing through middle and high-school levels up to age 18. Young people can join at any level. Participants master skills and concepts to aid in learning science and technology through robotics, while gaining valuable career and life skills.

“ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder “…It’s like life. You never have enough information. You never have enough time. The kit of materials is what you have in the warehouse. There are always competing things and you must have a strategy. We’ve created a microcosm of the real engineering experience.” Woodie Flowers FIRST National Advisor How It Works FIRST ® Robotics Competition:

“ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder »Combines the excitement of sport with science and technology »Creates a unique varsity Sport for the Mind™ »Grade 9-12 students (ages 14-18) discover the value of education and careers in science, technology, and engineering How It Works FIRST ® Robotics Competition:

“ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder »Mission is to INSPIRE, not EDUCATE »BUT look at what is involved: –Math (algebra, geometry, trig, calculus) –Science (physics, chemistry, experimentation) –Language arts (writing, public speaking) –Business (marketing, PR, fundraising) –Finance (accounting) –Computer Science (programming, 3D animation) –Fabrication (woodworking, metalworking) –Mentorship: Working side-by-side with professionals –Teamwork –Gracious Professionalism TM –Coopertition TM FIRST ® Robotics Competition:

“ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder »Program for Grade 9-12 students (ages 14-18) designed to extend reach of FIRST »Creates a bridge between the FIRST LEGO League and the FIRST Robotics Competition »Accessible, affordable FIRST experience »Lower cost per team »No machine shop required »Teams use a modular platform to design and build robots How It Works FIRST ® Tech Challenge:

“ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder »Problem Solving and Creativity »Present children with a new real- world problem each year »Design, build, and program robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS ® »Research challenges facing today’s scientists »Unleash thinking, energy and fun »Teams of Children and Coaches »Grades 4-8 (ages 9-16; 9-14 in the U.S. and Canada) »Work as a team »Learn with adults and mentors How It Works FIRST ® LEGO ® League:

“ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder »Introduces 6 to 9 year-olds (Grades K-3) to the fun of science and technology »New real-world Challenge project each year, based on the same theme as FLL »Design and construct a model using LEGO bricks and moving parts »Create “Show Me” poster depicting team’s research journey »Learn from and interact with mentors How It Works Junior FIRST ® LEGO ® League:

“ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder FIRST ® Robotics Competition: 2011 FRC Season »2,075 teams »Close to 52,000 high-school students »From 9 countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada (3 provinces), Germany, Israel, Mexico, Turkey, U.K., U.S. (48 states) »49 Regionals/State Championships 9 District Competitions »340 teams advance to FIRST Championship

“ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder In 2011, close to 52,000 high- school students on 2,075 FIRST Robotics Competition teams are participating in the excitement and intensity of science and technology. Inspiring Students Impact:

“ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder »Case History: Chatsworth High School, Los Angeles, CA »60% students graduate »Less than 50% go on to college »Every FIRST participant graduated on time, attended college and many enrolled in honors and advanced placement course Academic Success Impact:

“ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder »Case History: East Technical High School, Cleveland, OH »“Just 5 years ago…an urban school…slated for closing. We’ve become the science/engineering magnet school… More students try out for FIRST team than football and basketball combined.” »Enrollment from 900 to 1400 »Attendance rates from 60% to 82% »FIRST team (includes 5 females) all graduated, all received scholarships including Case Western Reserve, Cornell, MIT, Air Force Academy, Ohio State, Georgetown Academic Success Impact:

“ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder Scholarships Impact: More than $14 million in scholarship awards available to FIRST participants “I am very thankful for the inspiration that the FIRST experience gave me, and for this scholarship that allows me to be at a top institution, headed for a challenging and intriguing career.” Drew Blackburn, FRC Alumni Georgia Tech FIRST Scholarship Winner

“ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder »FIRST students vs. comparison group »Seek education in science & technology »Twice as likely to major in science or engineering »More than three times as likely to major specifically in engineering Education in Science & Technology Impact: Source: Brandeis University, Center for Youth and Communities, Heller School for Social Policy and Management

“ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder Careers in Science & Technology Impact: »FIRST students vs. comparison group »Earn career opportunities: »Almost ten times more likely to have internship »Expect to pursue science & technology careers: »More than twice as likely to pursue S&T career »Nearly four times as likely to pursue career specifically in engineering Source: Brandeis University, Center for Youth and Communities, Heller School for Social Policy and Management

“ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder »“This is the only sport I know of where everybody who plays can become a pro.” Walter P. Havenstein Chief Executive Officer »“I'm standing in front of some of the best and brightest in the U.S. and from around the world, and I know you're going to do things that people said could never be done.” Joe Astroth, Ph.D. VP of Learning and Education Some of our sponsors… Sponsorship Get Involved:

“ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder Become a Sponsor »Provide financial support »Provide equipment and facilities »Offer scholarships »Provide internships Mentor a Team »Involve employees as mentors Volunteer at Events »Involve employees as volunteers Sponsorship Get Involved:

“ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder FIRST Sponsorship »Builds technological literacy »Strengthens company reputation in community »Creates pipeline for interns and future employees »Engages employees in volunteerism opportunities »Provides employee team-building opportunities Sponsorship Get Involved:

“ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder »Type Appropriate Text Here Next Steps FIRST ® :