FIRST Robotics
FIRST is a multinational, non-profit organization that has grown from only 28 teams in
1992 to over 19,000 teams. During the 2009/2010 season, student participation is
expected to reach over 210,000.
Vision
“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
To change the way society views science and engineering while encouraging students
to pursue careers in these fields. To accomplish this, FIRST has developed a
competition which incorporates robots that is as cool and hip as any sporting event.
Values
“Gracious Professionalism” is a way of doing things. Not only does it teach students to
treat each other with respect and kindness even during the heat of battle, but it also
encourages them to take pride in their work.
“Coopertition” is an innovative way of competing. It teaches students to cooperate and
help their opponents even during the fiercest of matches.
Impact
FIRST changes thousands of student’s life every year. A recent study showed that
students of similar backgrounds and academic experienced were compared that those
who had participated in FIRST were:
Three times more likely to major in engineering.
Ten times more likely to have had an apprenticeship, internship or co-op job
during their freshman year.
More likely to obtain a post graduate degree.
Twice as likely to pursue a career in science and technology.
Four times more likely to pursue a career in engineering.
Twice as likely to volunteer.
Programs
FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) for grades 9-12
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) for grades 9-12
FIRST LEGO League (FLL) for grades 4-8
Junior FIRST LEGO League (Jr. FLL) for grades K-3
FIRST Place for ages 6 to adult
Scholarships
Each year over $12 million in college scholarships are available to students
who participate on a FIRST Robotics team.
There are over 746 individual scholarship opportunities.
There are over 136 Scholarship Providers which include colleges/universities,
professional associations, and corporations.
This page is a brief overview of FIRST. To learn more visit their website
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