For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization Igniting young minds. Teaching life skills. Nurturing passions for science and technology. Practicing “Gracious Professionalism™.” For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology

It’s a competitive sport. It’s a life experience. It’s opportunity. It’s community. It’s amazing.

FIRST learning… … never stops building upon itself, starting at age six and continuing through middle and high-school levels up to age eighteen. Young people can join at any level. Participants master skills and concepts to aid in learning science and technology through robotics.

Founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen Devoted to helping young people discover and develop a passion for science, engineering, technology, and math. 303,000+ students 29,200+ teams 25,000 robots 120,500+ mentors and volunteers More than 50 countries 2012/13

For students (ages 6-18): the hardest fun you’ll ever have. Who is it for? For students (ages 6-18): the hardest fun you’ll ever have. For mentors, coaches, volunteers: the most rewarding adventure you’ll ever undertake. For sponsors: the most enlightened investment you could ever make.

What is FRC? Varsity Sport for the Mind™  Strict rules, limited resources, time limits  Students mentored by professional engineers   Teams learn, use sophisticated hardware and software   Build and compete with robots of their own design   Qualify for >$18million in scholarships

Timeline June - Dec Fundraising/prototyping Sept - Dec Registration Jan 4 Kickoff Feb 18 Robots Bagged March - April Competition

FIRST is NOT about students building robots Why Robots? FIRST is NOT about students building robots FIRST robotics builds: technology literacy intuitive problem solvers collaborative innovators

Why Robots?

Why Robots?

21st Century Learning Rigorous and Relevant Future-Think Highly-Skilled Workforce Meaningful and Well-Paying Jobs Project-Based Community as a Laboratory Today’s students need more than just the three R’s to survive in today’s economy. They need education opportunities that are rigorous and relevant. According to Lawrence Katz, a Harvard Economist, future jobs will fall into two main areas – highly skilled and low-wage service. Middle class jobs are beginning to evaporate at an alarming rate. Thus the need for students to gain the skills early needed for meaningful and well-paying jobs. To do this, learning is best when it is project-based and uses the community as a laboratory.

Impact Education in Science & Technology FIRST Robotics 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 As the sense of urgency is being raised…and more people seeking effective action steps….FIRST is well positioned to make a very compelling case it is an effective part of solution… Thomas Freidman, noted economist, called for inspiring young people to pursue education in S&T….FIRST does exactly that… Source: Brandeis University, Center for Youth and Communities, Heller School for Social Policy and Management

Get involved FIRST Sponsorship Volunteer Opportunities: Mentor a team in your area Mentor a team remotely Volunteer at the NC Regional “There’s something about changing a young person’s life and giving them direction that keeps me going.” General Motors FIRST Volunteer

COACHES MENTORS STUDENTS PARENTS SPONSORS An FRC Team is Like a Stool…. COACHES MENTORS STUDENTS PARENTS SPONSORS

Get involved FIRST Sponsorship Mentor an area team 1 - 2 hours every 1 to 2 weeks between now and January 4 Skill-building, planning, research, team-building 2+ hours every week during build season – Jan 4 to Feb 18 Strong need for technical mentors – mechanical, electrical, programming Also need help with business plan writing, essays for various awards, social media and outreach activities

Get involved FIRST Sponsorship Mentor a Team Remotely Be the “help desk” for the team Answer questions via email, phone, text Use Skype, Google Hangouts or other similar tools to meet virtually with the team CAD, programming and social media work well with this kind of mentoring Great need for mentors for teams in rural areas!

Get involved FIRST Sponsorship Volunteer at the NC Regional Tournament March 13, 14, 15, 2014 One day and three day positions Some technical, some non-technical Three day positions: Referee, Master of Ceremonies, Control Systems Advisor, Safety Advisors One day positions: Field, Spare Parts, Ushers, Various admin-type roles Register in VIMS

NC FIRST To Mentor a Team: Please register here. We will be in touch to connect you to a team! To Volunteer for the NC Regional Tournament: We will contact you in January to finalize your assignment and make sure you have all the information you need. *(When registering in VIMS, please note that you will encounter errors if using IE as your browser. Please use another browser when using VIMS.)

NC Regional

NC Regional 2013 NC FRC Senior Class

Thank you!! Questions? For more information: Marie Hopper Executive Director – NC FIRST Robotics usfirst.org ncfirstrobotics.org ncfirstrobots@gmail.com 336-375-3861 Thank you!!