Inspiring Achievement
FIRST participants achieve more than they
ever dreamed possible. While they are building their robots,
kids get to work in teams, manage resources, solve problems,
make decisions, assume leadership responsibilities, communicate
ideas, and apply scientific and mathematical knowledge as
they design and build their robots.
The teams, which operate much like mini-corporations,
are responsible for their own research and development,
fundraising, marketing, management, and communications.
FIRST encourages students
to understand all aspects of a project and the need for
marketing, information research, as well as mechanical knowledge.
The excitement, fun and engagement of FIRST
activities help students to believe they can be successful
academically and in life. Many students often choose to
pursue professions that they hadn’t considered before,
such as electrical or robotics engineering. Students absorb
the values of FIRST, such as teamwork, responsibility, organization,
respect, and consideration for others and use them in every
aspect of their lives.
Celebrating Success
Teams have the opportunity to experience the
thrill and excitement of regional robotics competitions
as well as the opportunity to move on to the Championship
held in Atlanta, GA. These high-energy, sports-like events
are characterized by a strong spirit of “Gracious
Professionalism” - a coined FIRST term that means
always doing “the right thing” for your team
and the teams you compete against.
There is more to the FIRST competitions than
the excitement of seeing robots compete. The most coveted
prize is the Chairman’s Award, given to one team at
each regional and one team at the international competition.
To win a Chairman’s Award, a team must tell its story
in a compelling narrative that highlights their teamwork
and collaborative effort and how they exemplified the true
meaning and spirit of FIRST.
FIRST teams also compete for other awards
that celebrate safety, sportsmanship, quality craftsmanship,
creativity, innovative engineering design, and more. Select
“rookie” teams are recognized with awards as
well.
Read some of our success stories.
|
