For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology FIRST FIRST Industry and Education: Working together for a common goal July 2008 Wendy Atiyeh Hamilton Sundstrand Buzz Robotics For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology

2 The Challenge is in Front of Us “The American education system… just is not stimulating enough young people to want to go into science, math, and engineering.” (page 270) “…we have done a very poor job of conveying to kids the value of science and technology as a career choice…” “…we should be embarking on an all-hands-on-deck, no-holds-barred, no-budget-too-large, crash program for science and engineering education immediately.” (page 275)

3 FIRST Organization 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity Headquarters in Manchester, NH Founded 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen Board Chairman: John Abele, Founder Chairman of Boston Scientific $25 million operating budget 3,000+ corporate sponsors 65,000+ volunteers FIRST was created to stimulate a student’s excitement in science, engineering, technology and mathematics by creating a challenge and asking schools and students to partner with mentors and industry professionals.

4 FIRST Vision and Mission Vision Statement: “To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes.” Dean Kamen, Founder Mission Statement: Our mission is 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.

5 FIRST Concept “Sport for the mind” Using a “sports based” model Combining excitement of sport with science and technology Problem solving New challenges every year Teams young people with mentors Business model of performance Cost Schedule Design Requirements Value system Teamwork Co-opetition Gracious Professionalism

6 FIRST Culture Gracious Professionalism: “Gracious professionalism has purposefully been left somewhat undefined because it can and should mean different things to each of us. “…one of the most straightforward interpretations of gracious professionalism is that we learn and compete like crazy, but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process… No chest thumping barbarian tough talk, but no sticky sweet platitudes either. Knowledge, pride, and empathy comfortably blended. “In the long run, gracious professionalism is part of pursuing a meaningful life.” Co-opetition: Your opponent today, may be your partner tomorrow.

7 FIRST Concept Mission is to INSPIRE not EDUCATE But look at what is involved: Math (algebra, geometry, trig, calculus) Science (physics, chemistry, experimentation) Computer Science (programming, 3D animation) Fabrication (woodworking, metalworking) Language Arts (writing, public speaking) Business (marketing, PR, fundraising) Finance (accounting) Teamwork Mentoring: working side-by-side with professionals

8 FIRST How it Works “…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

9 FIRST Programs K Grade Level FIRST programs follow a typical sports model Jr. FIRST LEGO LeagueFIRST LEGO LeagueFIRST Tech Challenge FIRST Robotics Competition “T-Ball” “Little League” “Minor League” “Major League”

10 FIRST Programs K Grade Level Jr. FIRST LEGO LeagueFIRST LEGO LeagueFIRST Tech Challenge FIRST Robotics Competition “T-Ball” “Little League” “Minor League” “Major League”

11 FLL How it Works FIRST LEGO League: How it Works Problem Solving and Creativity Present students with a real-world problem Unleash thinking, energy and fun 2007 Challenge: “Power Puzzle” Teams of Students and Mentors Work as a team Learn with adults and mentors Do it All in 8 Weeks A timeline to learn efficiency and effectiveness Compete with peers in tournament

12 FLL 2007 Season Statistics FIRST LEGO League 2007: “Power Puzzle” 10,000+ teams anticipated (world wide) 100,000+ middle school aged students 38 countries 370+ qualifying events 85+ championship tournaments Junior FLL Pilot program for 6-9 year olds OUTSIDE US and CANADA US and CANADA FIRST LEGO League Team Growth

13 FIRST Programs K Grade Level Jr. FIRST LEGO LeagueFIRST LEGO LeagueFIRST Tech Challenge FIRST Robotics Competition “T-Ball” “Little League” “Minor League” “Major League”

14 FTC How it Works FIRST Tech Challenge: How it Works New program designed to extend reach of FIRST More accessible, affordable FIRST experience Lower cost per team No machine shop required Commercially available robotics kit Rolled-out in 2007 Local leagues Regional tournaments FIRST Championship

15 FTC 2007 Season Statistics FIRST Tech Challenge 2007: “Quad Quandary” 800+ teams 8,000+ high school aged students 30 championship tournaments US, Canada and Mexico

16 FIRST Programs K Grade Level Jr. FIRST LEGO LeagueFIRST LEGO LeagueFIRST Tech Challenge FIRST Robotics Competition “T-Ball” “Little League” “Minor League” “Major League”

17 FRC How it Works FIRST Robotics Competition: How it Works Teams of high-school students and mentors New game each year Common parts for each team (“Kit-of- Parts”) 6-week build period Learn rules of game Strategize game Concept robot design Design, Build, Test, Ship Competitive assessments Students discover the value of education and careers in science, technology and engineering, and business

18 FRC How it Works FIRST Robotics Competition: Business Miniaturized Entrepreneurial experiences Rookie Teams: Start-up business model Product centered “Supporting” roles not addressed Veteran Teams: Mature business model Electronics/Controls Software Mechanical (Drive-train, manipulator) Marketing / Public Relations Communications Fundraising Budget/Financial Management Procurement Transportation Executive Presentations

19 FRC 2008 Season Statistics FIRST Robotics Competition 2008: “FIRST Overdrive” 1,507 teams world-wide US, Canada, Brazil, Israel, UK 37,500+ high-school aged students 25 students per team (average) 41 regional competitions 340 teams advance to Championship FIRST Robotics Competition Team Growth

20 FRC Impact FIRST Robotics Competition: 2005 Study Conducted by Brandeis University FRC alumni from mainly low-income urban schools Comparison group: students with similar backgrounds in high school math and science Brandeis University, Center for Youth and Communities, Heller School for Social Policy and Management

21 FRC Impact Education in Science & Technology 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 Source: Brandeis University, Center for Youth and Communities, Heller School for Social Policy and Management

22 FRC Impact Careers in Science & Technology FIRST Students vs. Comparison Group Earn career opportunities Almost ten times more likely to have internship Expect to pursue science and technology careers More than twice as likely to pursue science and technology 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

23 Sponsor Investment Growth Over 3,000 leading corporations, foundations, agencies, including:

24 Sponsor Investment Growth “FIRST is a tremendous program that brings technology alive for students in an exciting competitive environment.” Doug Shidler Vice President, UTC Sikorsky Corporations don’t just contribute, they “get it”

25 Student Opportunities FIRST Scholarships Over $9.5 million in scholarship funds 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

26 Education Investment Growth Massachusetts Institute of Technology

27 FRC Program Costs Program Registration*$6,000 Additional Regional Registration$4,000 Championship Registration$5,000 * Includes one Regional Event Additional expenses include: Travel Technical Materials (parts, tools, etc.) Promotional Materials (buttons, shirts, pamphlets, brochures, etc.) Program costs can be supported through: Corporate sponsorships Local business sponsorships School funding Grants Team fundraising activities

28 FRC Funding Support To help teams get started, there are a few grant programs (local and national) that have been created, including: UTC Team Grant UTC Team Grant CT based rookie teams 3-year tiered funding ($8,000 / $6,000 / $3,000) NASA GrantNASA Grant US based teams Typical: 2-year funding Various types of grants

29 A Parting Thought Growth Co-opetition and Gracious Professionalism Defined “What ties these concepts to FIRST for me is the attitude found at the competition. I have always known two types of atmospheres at competitions; either everyone is extremely hardcore and obsessive over winning, or everyone comes as a chance to relax and be social. At FIRST, everyone is connected, everyone is happy, and everyone is pumped. “You see more random acts of kindness in one day than you see in a month in the real world. “Gracious professionalism and cooperation is what defines FIRST. And I find FIRST to be the goal to achieve overall quality and happiness, not greed for recognition. FIRST is helping another team that ends up beating you and feeling no regret.” First Year Student Dawgma - Team 1712 Ardmore, PA