About FIRST
About
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, also known as FIRST was founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen in order to encourage young people, from ages 4-18, into STEM Robotics. This nonprofit organization helps students build their STEM knowledge through conducting research, design, and constructing a robot for competition. Their challenges build confidence, problem-solving skills, and team work that can make a lasting impact on STEM learning, interest, and abilities in young children.
Photo from FIRST®
Core Values
First Robotics competition are guided by a set of Core Values: discovery, innovation, impact, inclusion, teamwork, and fun.
Discovery - We explore new skills & ideas
Innovation - We use creativity & persistence to solve problems
Impact - We apply what we learn to improve the world
Inclusion - We respect each other & respect our differences
Teamwork - We are stronger when we work together
Fun - We enjoy and celebrate what we do!
These Core Values are under their philosophies of Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition®.
Gracious Professionalism
Gracious Professionalism®, coined by Dr. Woodie Flowers (1943-2019) is some way things are done in FIRST. Gracious Professionalism®encurages quality work, value of others, and respecting for a person or community. It alows for competition to be fierce and competative, but participants are still respectful and empathetic towards each other. Hateful play such as trash talking of the similar are not permitted.
Photo from FIRST®
Photo from FIRST®
Coopertition
In the eyes of FIRST, Coopertition® mean in the face of intense competitions, teams are expected to show and promote kindness towards one another. Teams are needed to learn from teammates, teaching, collaborating with mentors, managing, and being managed.
More information can be found on FIRST's website, FIRSTInspires