Title: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology
1For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and
Technology
- Organization/Company Name Here
- Month Date, Year
2FIRST
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 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.
3Dean Kamen, Founder
FIRST
- We want to change the culture by celebrating the
mind. We need to show kids that its more fun to
design and create a video game than it is to play
one. -
- Dean Kamen
- Founder
4Who We Are
FIRST
- 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity
- Founded 1989, by inventor Dean Kamen
- Headquarters in Manchester, NH
- FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) for high-school
ages (1992) - FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) for high-school ages
(2005) - FIRST LEGO League (FLL) for 9 to 14 year-olds
(1998) and Junior FIRST LEGO League (JFLL) for 6
to 9 year-olds (2005) - FIRST Place RD facility and science technology
resource to the community
5FIRST Robotics Competition
FIRST Programs
FIRST LEGO League
FIRST Tech Challenge
Jr. FIRST LEGO League
K 1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10
11 12
Grade Level
6How It Works
FIRST Robotics Competition
- Its 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. Weve created a microcosm of the
real engineering experience. -
- Woodie Flowers
- FIRST National Advisor
7How It Works
FIRST Robotics Competition
- Combines the excitement of sport with science and
technology - Creates a unique varsity sport for the mind
- High-school-aged young people discover the value
of education and careers in science, technology,
and engineering
8FIRST Robotics Competition
- 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
9How It Works
FIRST Tech Challenge
- Program for high-school students designed to
extend reach of FIRST - Creates a bridge between the FIRST LEGO League
and the FIRST Robotics Competition - Accessible, affordable FIRST experience
- Lower cost per team
- No machine shop required
- Teams use a modular platform to design and build
robots
10How It Works
FIRST LEGO League
- Problem Solving and Creativity
- Present kids with a new real-world problem each
year - Unleash thinking, energy and fun
- Teams of Kids 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
11How It Works
Junior FIRST LEGO League
- Introduces 6 to 9 year-olds to the fun of science
and technology - New real-world Challenge project each year, based
on the same theme as FLL - Design and construct a model using LEGO bricks
and moving parts - Create Show Me poster depicting teams research
journey - Learn from and interact with mentors
12Inspiring Students
Impact
- In 2009, over 42,000 high-school students on
close to 1,700 FIRST Robotics Competition teams
are expected to participate in the excitement and
intensity of science and technology.
13Academic Success
Impact
- Case History Chatsworth High School, Los
Angeles, CA - 60 students graduate
- Less than 50 go on to college
- Every FIRST participant graduated on time,
attended college and many enrolled in honors and
advanced placement course
14Academic Success
Impact
- Case History East Technical High School,
Cleveland, OH - Just 5 years agoan urban schoolslated for
closing. Weve become the science/engineering
magnet school More students try out for FIRST
team than football and basketball combined. - Enrollment from 900 to 1400
- Attendance rates from 60 to 82
- FIRST team (includes 5 females) all graduated,
all received scholarships including Case Western
Reserve, Cornell, MIT, Air Force Academy, Ohio
State, Georgetown
15Scholarships
Impact
Over 9 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
16Education in Science Technology
Impact
- 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
17Careers 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 ST 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
18Sponsorship
Get Involved
- At Motorolawe know its critical for tomorrows
workforce to be technologically literate. Thats
why were involved with FIRST. Gary
Tooker
Former Vice Chairman - FIRST isnt about building robots, its about
building life skills. Steve
Sanghi
President, CEO
Some of our sponsors
19Sponsorship
Get Involved
- Become a Sponsor
- Provide financial support
- Provide equipment and facilities
- Offer scholarships
- Provide internships
- Mentor a Team
- Involve employees as mentors
- Volunteer at Events
- Involve employees as volunteers
20Sponsorship
Get Involved
- FIRST Sponsorship
- Builds technological literacy
- Strengthens company reputation in community
- Creates pipeline for interns and future employees
- Engages employees in volunteerism opportunities
- Provides employee team-building opportunities
21Next Steps
FIRST
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