1. For Inspiration and Recognition of Science & Technology
Intro to FIRST
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science & Technology

2. What is FIRST?
FIRST is an organization devoted to helping young people discover and develop a passion for science, engineering, technology, and math
Founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen
Based in Manchester, New Hampshire
Comprises
Jr. FLL (Junior FIRST Lego League) – elementary aged
FLL (FIRST Lego League) – middle school aged
FTC (FIRST Technical Challenge) – high school aged
FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) - high school aged

3. FIRST Robotics Competition
What is it?
A unique varsity Sport for the Mind™ designed to help high-school-aged young people discover how interesting and rewarding the lives of engineers and scientists can be.
Why is it unique?
It is a sport where participants play with and learn from pros
Designing and building a robot is a fascinating real-world professional experience
Competing brings participants as much excitement and adrenaline rush as conventional varsity tournaments
The game rules are a surprise every year

4. How It Works
The FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC®) stages short 2 minute games played by robots
The game is released the first weekend in January
The robots are designed and built in six weeks (from a common baseline set of parts) by:
A team of high-school-aged young people
A handful of engineers-Mentors
Competitions occur in March & April
The students remotely control the robots in competition rounds on the large playing field (27’x54’)
There is a 15 second period of autonomous operation too

5. Bywords Gracious Professionalism Scholarships Real-World Hands-on
Nearly $15 million in college scholarships
925+ individual offerings
145+ scholarship providers
Real-World
Hands-on
Science or Engineering College/Career
Mentorship

6. Viewpoints School Teachers Students Mentors Parents
Practical application of curriculum, good press
Teachers
Fully engaged students, hands-on learning, applied science
Students
Fun, exciting, cool
Mentors
Nourish another generation, reverse-inspiration
Parents
Career choices, scholarships, involvement