FIRST DESIGNS ACCESSIBLE, INNOVATIVE
PROGRAMS TO BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND LIFE
SKILLS
Program motivates
young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology
and engineering
March 2008
Rockville, MD - Accomplished
inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST (For Inspiration and
Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire
an appreciation of science and technology in young people.
FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build
self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating
young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology
and engineering. With the support of many of the world's
most well-known companies and scientific societies,
the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST Robotics
Competition (FRC) and the FIRST Tech Challenge for high-school
students, FIRST LEGO League for children 9-to-14 years
old, and Junior FIRST LEGO League for 6-to-9 year-olds.
During the 2008 season, which
runs from January through April, students build robots
to compete and co-operate in three-team alliances at
Regional events and the FIRST Championship. In this
year's game, "FIRST Overdrive," robots are designed
to race around an oval track, move large balls around
the track, and pass the balls over or under a 6'6" overpass.
Robots may be programmed for autonomous movement and
operated by radio control.
BAE Systems is increasing
its contribution to FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition
of Science and Technology) to more than $1 million annually
through donations of money, resources and employee volunteering.
By increasing its level of support, BAE Systems becomes
a "Strategic Partner" of FIRST, and the largest corporate
contributor to the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC).
For more information, visit www.usfirst.org.
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