first

Our Sponsors:

xerox

Nazareth Schools

First

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology

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 kamenDean Kamen, Founder


History:
FIRST was founded in 1989 in Manchester, N.H by inventor/entrepreneur Dean Kamen to inspire and give young people a chance to experience the benefits of science and technology firsthand. FIRST is a the non-profit organization, that holds ground-breaking programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life-skills while helping students from the  ages 6-18 to explore fields in science, math, technology, and engineering.  FIRST is made possible with the help of sponsors from all over the world’s best companies and organizations. While the immediate goal of any FIRST team is to build a successful robot, the spirit of FIRST is to provide opportunities for the next generation to step up and meet the challenge at hand all while maintaining an attitude of gracious professionalism.

FIRST teams learn how to work together using coopertition to accomplish a common goal. Coopertition is being cooperative in a competition setting. Unlike most sport events, you root for and help all FIRST teams while also striving to make an efficient robot. For more on the information on http://www.coopertition.net/ this site will be the future resource for new and other information regarding FIRST. 

What makes a FIRST team?
Not only are students a key factor on a FIRST team, but also the many helpful, informative mentors. Without the help of the mentors, who generously volunteer their time and effort, a FIRST team wouldn’t have the full FIRST experience. In being part of the FIRST sprit a team becomes family. FIRST enables you to make long-term friendships.


What are the benefits of joining a FIRST team?
Besides exposing students to a professional, high energy environment where gaining the experience will give them a firsthand look into how teamwork in a corporate setting comes together, FIRST students are open to several generous scholarships from various colleges and universities.

More about gracious professionalism:

National Advisor and Pappalardo Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Woodie Flowers especially emphasizes the FIRST goal of gracious professionalism; a mindset that encourages high quality work and respects individuals and the community. The motto of gracious professionalism leaves room for both fierce competition and mutual gain, giving students an opportunity to involve themselves in an intense game situation while still respecting the other teams.

How can I get involved with FIRST?
There are many ways a person can get involved in the FIRST program:
FIRST Robotics Competition (high-school ages)
FIRST Tech Challenge (high-school ages)
FIRST LEGO League (ages 9-14)
Junior FIRST LEGO League (ages 6-9)