About CT FIRST

CT FIRST is Connecticut’s planning and operating organization for FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).


FIRST was founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills.

Dean Kamen is an inventor, entrepreneur, and tireless advocate for science and technology. His passion and determination to help young people discover the excitement and rewards of science and technology are the cornerstones of FIRST.

FIRST has been active in Connecticut since 1995.

To learn more about FIRST in Connecticut or to get involved, please contact Sue Glasspiegel (sglasspiegel@usfirst.org), Regional Director, FIRST.


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
FIRST’s mission is 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.

FIRST Core Values: Gracious Professionalism
Dr. Woodie Flowers, FIRST National Advisor and Pappalardo Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, coined the term "Gracious Professionalism." 

Gracious Professionalism is part of the ethos of FIRST. It's a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. 

With Gracious Professionalism, fierce competition and mutual gain are not separate notions. Gracious professionals learn and compete like crazy, but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process. They avoid treating anyone like losers. No chest thumping tough talk, but no sticky-sweet platitudes either. Knowledge, competition, and empathy are comfortably blended. 

In the long run, Gracious Professionalism is part of pursuing a meaningful life. One can add to society and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing one has acted with integrity and sensitivity.

FIRST Programs in Connecticut
FIRST provides programs supporting students in all grade levels (K-12). Involvement and intensity increases as the students progress through the various programs. It is not necessary to “start at the bottom at work your way up.” Students can enter at any level, based on their current grade level.  All FIRST programs are currently available in Connecticut.

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)
Ages 14-18 (high school)
FRC is FIRST’s flag-ship and longest running program. Typically, teams consist of high school students, teachers, parents, and engineering mentors from local businesses. Teams have six weeks to design, build, test, and ship a fully functional robot specifically designed to compete in that season's competition.

FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)
Ages 14-18 (high school)
FTC was created to provide a lower-cost alternative to the FRC program, while still focusing on the same core values. Many schools have successfully used FTC as a starting point before entering the FRC program, while others have used FTC as a junior varsity program to train students to compete in the FRC’s varsity level program.

FIRST LEGO League (FLL)
Ages 9-14
FIRST introduced FLL as a way to engage and excite even younger students. FLL quickly grew to FIRST’s largest program. FLL participants use the LEGO Mindstorms robotics kit to design and program autonomous robots to complete game-specific tasks. FLL participants are also tasked with completing game-related research projects, and present their findings to industry leaders at their tournaments. Games are designed around relevant subject matters. Past games have addressed issues such as global warming, energy conservation, and Mars exploration.

Junior FIRST LEGO League (Jr.FLL)
Ages 6-9
Recognizing that FLL students' siblings also wanted to play, FIRST introduced the Jr.FLL program. Sharing the same annual subject matter as the FLL program, Jr.FLL participants focus on the research portion of the challenge, and build a LEGO model to help show their research and challenge solution.