FIRST® Robotics (www.firstinspires.org) was the brain-child of Dean Kamen in an effort to bring attention to the fields of science and technology. At its inception in 1992, with 28 teams, competitions were held in a New Hampshire Gym. Twenty-one years and thousands of teams later, FIRST® is a freight train of knowledge and experience teaching unheard-of values in sportsmanship and what we like to call "Coopertition". From its humble beginnings, FIRST® has become a worldwide phenomenon which is changing lives everywhere its "gracious professionalism" sprouts. FIRST® Team 1764 thanks Dean Kamen for his fantastic efforts in making this dream come to life for all of us!
"To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes."
(Excerpt from the FIRST® Robotics website)
"Our mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, 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."
(Excerpt from the FIRST® Robotics website)
Gracious Professionalism is a concept that has been much embraced by the FIRST® community. It's purpose is to encourage generosity while embodying the acts of professionalism. This semi-ironic term was coined by Dr. Woodie Flowers, who says it best, "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."
The meaning speaks volumes for the priorities of the FIRST® Community. In this society students are taught that winning is not everything, and the most important victory is what you learn in the process.