1. For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology FIRST ® Inspiring Students, Educators, Professionals and Communities Patricia DePra FIRST Regional Director Western PA - Pittsburgh

2. “ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder Agenda Overview of FIRST Programs Impact What makes FRC such a unique experience; How is FRC different? The nature of the game Opportunities

3. “ …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 (FRC) for high-school-aged young people »FIRST LEGO ® League (FLL) for ages 9 to 14 »FIRST Technical Challenge, a more accessible program for high-school-aged youth »Also: –Junior FLL, for ages 6 to 9 (pilot) –FIRST Place, an R&D facility and science & technology resource to the community FIRST Programs

4. “ …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.

5. “ …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 ® :

6. “ …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:

7. “ …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:

8. “ …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:

9. “ …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: 2010 FRC Season »1,809 teams »45,000+ high-school students »From 12 countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada (4 provinces), Chile, Germany, Herzegovina, Israel, Mexico, Netherlands, Turkey, U.K., U.S. (50 states) »44 Regionals/State Championships 7 District Competitions »340 teams advance to FIRST Championship

10. “ …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: Over $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

11. “ …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

12. “ …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

13. “ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder Model for Success Business Government Education Social Investors Community  Mentors  Volunteers  Fundraising  Teachers  Facilities  Scholarships  Funding  Research  Volunteers  Organizations  Policy Support  Recognition  Funding

14. “ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder How FIRST is different Project Management Experience 6 weeks ! to build a robot Design challenges; creativity Computer programming challenges Mechanical challenges Safety considerations Complex rules Cost containment and record-keeping Teamwork Marketing & Fundraising and more … Mentors (technical and non-technical): Interaction with professionals and college students Scholarships The Game and the Nature of the Competition: Gracious Professionalism TM and Coopertition TM

15. “ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder How FIRST is different  Two Alliances of three teams each: Robots have interchangeable red and blue bumpers to identify their alliance in each match.  Alliances for qualification matches: Teams are randomly assigned; alliances differ from match to match.  Quarter- and Semi-Finals: The 8 top-seeded teams choose the alliances for the following matches. Teams begin scouting potential alliance partners at the beginning of the competition.  It's in teams' best interest to assist other teams, as they may be competing on the same alliance in an upcoming match. This structure supports the philosophies at FIRST of Gracious Professionalism TM and Coopertition TM : displaying unqualified kindness and respect in the face of fierce competition. The Game and the Nature of the Competition: Coopertition TM and Gracious Professionalism TM

16. “ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder  Coopertition is founded on the concept and a philosophy that teams can and should help and cooperate with each other even as they compete.  Gracious Professionalism™ is a way of doing things that encourages high- quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. How FIRST is Different

17. “ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder “Sport for the mind” combines the excitement of sport with science and technology Problem solving and creativity with new challenges every year Teams of young people with mentors A tight timeline to learn efficiency and effectiveness The hardest fun you’ll ever have… How FIRST is Different And More:

18. “ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder How FIRST is different

19. “ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder Beyond the Robot Other Team Member Roles beyond the build may include: Publicity, Marketing: Creating a team brand Media Relations Government Relations: Contacting elected officials Form a parent booster club Fundraising Team Finance/Budget Creating a Business Plan Community Outreach Events Outreach to younger students, teams Award Submissions

20. “ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder How FIRST is Different

21. “ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder Teams and Robots in the Pits

22. “ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder Community Events Chamber of Commerce Neighborhood Festivals School Events Consider inviting your Regional Director who can provide FIRST brochures/displays, (or provide them with brochures if they like), a monitor / slide show, and be available to answer questions about FIRST. Note: My roles at things like this are to help with team promotion first and regional promotion second (i.e. I stand back and let the students and mentors promote the team, and will talk about FIRST when asked).

23. “ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder The FIRST Organization Headquarters in Manchester, NY Lots of support and information / website FLL – FTC – Partners run the competitions Regional Directors; some Assistant Regional Directors Executive Advisory Board Regional Planning Committee Volunteers – Kickoff, FRC Competitions

24. “ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder Pittsburgh FIRST thanks our sponsors: Swanson Center for Product Innovation for donating their staffed machine shop for the Pittsburgh Regional FIRST Robotics Competition! for sponsoring and staffing the 5th Gear Simulation Tournament! for offering discounts to area teams!

25. “ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes…. ” Dean Kamen, Founder FIRST Questions ?