FOR INSPIRATION AND
RECOGNITION
OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
"To create a world where science and technology are celebrated... where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes."- Dean Kamen
“Competition for the sake not of destroying one another, but for the sake of bettering and improving both competitors as a result of the competition.”- Woodie Flowers
MISSION AND VISION OF FIRST
“FIRST is more than robots. The robots are a vehicle for students to learn important life skills. Kids often come in not knowing what to expect — of the program nor of themselves. They leave, even after the first season, with a vision, with confidence, and with a sense that they can create their own future.”- Dean Kamen
The mission of FIRST is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
The vision of FIRST by Dean Kamen, "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.
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. In the long run, Gracious Professionalism is part of pursuing a meaningful life. One can add to society and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing one has acted with integrity and sensitivity
FOUNDERS OF FIRST
Dean Kamen, founder and president of FIRST. Dean Kamen is an inventor, an entrepreneur, and a tireless advocate for science and technology. His own passion has changed the culture of the United States. More information on Dean Kamen can be found here.
Dr. Woodie Flowers was Co-Chair of the FIRST Executive Advisory Board, Distinguished Advisor to FIRST, and Pappalardo Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Soon after Dean Kamen founded FIRST, he and Woodie collaborated on the development of the FIRST® Robotics Competition. Woodie was also critical to establishing the ethos of FIRST by coining the term Gracious Professionalism® and nurturing its meaning in his every action. More information on Woodie Flowers can be found here.