1. 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

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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. Why Robots?

10. Why Robots?

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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

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

15. 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

16. Get involved FIRST Sponsorship Mentor a Team Remotely
Be the “help desk” for the team
Answer questions via , 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!

17. 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

18. 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.)

19. NC Regional

20. NC Regional
2013 NC FRC
Senior Class

21. Thank you!! Questions? For more information: Marie Hopper
Executive Director – NC FIRST Robotics
usfirst.org
ncfirstrobotics.org
Thank you!!