For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology

1. For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology FIRST Robotics Competition

2. Agenda I. Welcome II. Vision and Mission III. FIRST History IV. Impact V. Steps To Become a Team VI. Questions and Answers

3. II. Vision & Mission 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.

4. II. Vision “The American education system… just is not stimulating enough young people to want to go into science, math, and engineering.” (page 270) “…we have done a very poor job of conveying to kids the value of science and technology as a career choice…” “…we should be embarking on an all-hands-on-deck, no-holds-barred, no-budget-too-large, crash program for science and engineering education immediately.” (page 275)

5. III. FIRST History & Programs FIRST • 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit public charity • Founded 1989, by inventor Dean Kamen • Headquarters in Manchester, NH • Board Chairman John Abele, Founder Chairman of Boston Scientific • $28 million operating budget • 2,500+ corporate sponsors • 72,000 volunteers

6. III. FIRST History & Programs FIRST Robotics Competition FIRST Program Continuum Jr. FIRST LEGO League FIRST Tech Challenge FIRST LEGO League K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Grade Level

7. III. FIRST History & Programs • “Sport for the mind,” combining 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 • A value system based on “Gracious Professionalism,” “Teamwork,” and “Co-opetition”

8. III. FIRST History & Programs • Mission is to INSPIRE, not EDUCATE • BUT look atwhat 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

9. Growth III. FIRST History & Programs FRC: FIRST Robotics Competition: How It Works • Combines the excitement of sport with science and technology • Creates a unique varsity sport for the mind • High-school students discover the value of education and careers in science, technology, and engineering • New game each year • Common kit of parts • 6-week build period

10. 1,501 teams Over 37,500 high-school-aged students Average 25 students per team 41 regional competitions 340 teams advance to FIRST Championship III. FIRST History & Programs FIRST Robotics Competition: 2008 “FIRST Overdrive” season FIRST Robotics Competition Team Growth

11. Growth III. FIRST History & Programs FRC: FIRST Tech Challenge: How It Works • New program designed to extend reach of FIRST • More accessible, affordable FIRST experience • Lower cost per team • No machine shop required • Commercially available robotics kit • Roll-out in 2007 • Local leagues • Regional tournaments • FIRST Championship

12. Over 800 teams (45% growth) 8,000 high-school-age students 31 Championship Tournaments U.S., Canada, and Mexico III. FIRST History & Programs FIRST Tech Challenge : 2007 “Quad Quandary” season Growth

13. IV. Impact FIRST Robotics Competition: 2005 Study • Conducted by Brandeis University • FRC alumni from mainly low-income, urban schools • Comparison group: students with similar backgrounds in high school math and science

14. IV. Impact Education in Science & Technology • 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

15. IV. Impact Careers in Science & Technology • 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

16. IV. Impact FIRST Scholarships More than $9.8 million in scholarship funds 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 Source: Brandeis University, Center for Youth and Communities, Heller School for Social Policy and Management

17. IV. Sponsor Investment Growth More than 2,500 leading corporations, foundations, agencies, including:

18. IV. Sponsor Investment More than 108 universities provide $9.8 million in scholarship opportunities and host events, including:

19. V. Steps To Become A Team Preparation • Apply for the Grant • Pre-Register as a Team • Team Information Management System • https://my.usfirst.org/frc/tims/site.lasso • Register for FIRST Competition • FIRST Robotics Competition (Dallas & Houston) • FIRST Tech Challenge (UT Arlington) • Attend Workshops

20. V. Steps To Become A Team Pre-Register as a Team with Team Information Management System https://my.usfirst.org/frc/tims/site.lasso

21. V. Registration Timeline Pre-Registration • By October 1st on TIMS (link) Registration for Regional Competition • October 2nd at 11:01 • Competition space is limited and will fill up quickly!!! Registration for Kick-Off • October 16th on TIMS

22. V. Important Dates FIRST Robotics Competition • Kick-Off – January 3rd in Dallas and Houston • Register for kick-off on October 16th on TIMS • Build Period – January 3rd – February 17th • Attend Regional Competition • Dallas Regional March 11-14th • Lone Star (Houston) Regional March 25-28th • FIRST Championships April 16 – 18th • Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia

23. V. Workshops • Monday, Nov. 3rd • 10:00 – 2:00 @ Lubbock, Texas Tech • Tuesday, Nov. 4th • 9:00 – 1:00 @ El Paso, UT El Paso • Wednesday, Nov. 5th • 11:00 – 3:00 @ Corpus Christi, A&M-CC • Thursday, Nov. 6th • 11:00 – 3:00 @ Brownsville, UT Brownsville • Friday, Nov. 7th • 12:00 – 4:00 @ Austin, National Instruments • Dallas Workshops • October 18th • November 22nd • Houston Workshops • October 11th • November 8th

24. Questions FIRST Dallas Regional • John Shellene, Regional Director • jshellene@usfirst.org • Lindsey Weldon, Asst. Regional Dir. • lweldon@usfirst.org • Janet Butler, Asst. Regional Dir. • jbutler@usfirst.org Lone Star (Houston) Regional • Lucia Sevcik, Regional Director • LSEVCIK810@aol.com • Judy Allen, Advisory Board Chair • judyaspen@aol.com