"To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated
and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders."
Dean Kamen, Founder
and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders."
Dean Kamen, Founder
FIRST®, which stands for "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology," is a nonprofit organization founded by inventor Dean Kamen in 1989 to inspire young people's interest 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.
Participation in FIRST programs is proven to encourage students to pursue education and careers in STEM-related fields, inspire them to become leaders and innovators, and enhance their 21st century work-life skills.
Participation in FIRST programs is proven to encourage students to pursue education and careers in STEM-related fields, inspire them to become leaders and innovators, and enhance their 21st century work-life skills.
The Lockport PorterBots have participated in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) since 2012.
The FIRST Robotics Competition gives high school students and their adult mentors the opportunity to work together to solve a common problem. Challenged to design and build a robot using a standard "kit of parts" and within a common set of rules to play a sophisticated field game − all in just six weeks− brings out the best in students and adults alike. The robot “game” changes every season and is always exciting.
FIRST redefines “winning” by rewarding teams for achievements not necessarily gained on the field of play − excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, Gracious Professionalism®, Coopertition®, and the ability to overcome obstacles are all recognized with awards. Winning is always secondary to the quality of the overall experience.
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.
Coopertition
Coopertition® produces innovation. At FIRST, Coopertition is displaying unqualified kindness and respect in the face of fierce competition. Coopertition is founded on the concept and a philosophy that teams can and should help and cooperate with each other even as they compete.
Coopertition involves learning from teammates. It is teaching teammates. It is learning from Mentors. And it is managing and being managed. Coopertition means competing always, but assisting and enabling others when you can.
The FIRST Robotics Competition gives high school students and their adult mentors the opportunity to work together to solve a common problem. Challenged to design and build a robot using a standard "kit of parts" and within a common set of rules to play a sophisticated field game − all in just six weeks− brings out the best in students and adults alike. The robot “game” changes every season and is always exciting.
FIRST redefines “winning” by rewarding teams for achievements not necessarily gained on the field of play − excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, Gracious Professionalism®, Coopertition®, and the ability to overcome obstacles are all recognized with awards. Winning is always secondary to the quality of the overall experience.
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.
Coopertition
Coopertition® produces innovation. At FIRST, Coopertition is displaying unqualified kindness and respect in the face of fierce competition. Coopertition is founded on the concept and a philosophy that teams can and should help and cooperate with each other even as they compete.
Coopertition involves learning from teammates. It is teaching teammates. It is learning from Mentors. And it is managing and being managed. Coopertition means competing always, but assisting and enabling others when you can.