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Showing posts from October, 2018

"Why are you playing with robots?"

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�Why are you playing with robots?� If you�re like many FIRST � participants you�ve undoubtedly been asked this question when your friends or family hear about your robotics team. Everyone understands �team� and most know what a robot is, but many can�t connect how you might be competing and assume you�re just playing with technology. It�s not a big step from that to simply categorizing your efforts as a geeky outlet. �Good for Marissa, she�s playing with robots�� But what you want them to know is through these �geeky� robotics competitions, FIRST is developing future innovators, technology leaders, and creative problem solvers. You and your team are channeling your raw curiosity to think critically and seek ways to improve the world around   you � and you�re having fun while doing it. At, FIRST we fight this same battle against projections like this. Amplifying the FIRST experience, expanding access to our programs, and convincing sponsors and volunteers to join the mission. How...

FIRST Dean's List Award - What it's all about!

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Attention astronauts , we have an important update to the current mission at hand. The Dean�s List Award recognizes the leaders and ambassadors from each FIRST Tech Challenge Team. It awards the Captain Kirk�s in our world today. The Dean�s List Award first took off in 2010, when Dean Kamen himself realized that for FIRST to fulfill its mission of inspiring youth, he needed leaders that exemplify the core values of FIRST who could help spread the word and fuel the mission of FIRST . These leaders are the captains of their own destinies, ignoring the limitations set by space. They would consist of students already inspired by FIRST programs to make sure that generations to come are able to experience the positive impact of FIRST . As with the Dean�s List program that may already be in your school, the FIRST Dean�s List identifies the captains within FIRST who will fuel the mission we work to uphold. Each FIRST Tech Challenge team can nominate up to two students who are in the 10 th...