Today kicks off the beginning of another FIRST Robotics Competition season.
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is the 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit public charity founded by Dean Kamen in 1989 to inspire young  people to become tomorrow’s science and technology leaders.
I spent the morning at Montgomery High School watching the broadcast presentation of this year’s game. It looks like a serious challenge! For the next six weeks, students will be burning the midnight oil designing and building their competition robots – while not letting their studies lapse. If the enthusiasm I witnessed this morning is any indication, this is going to be one hell of a season. I can’t wait!
Science, technology, engineering… these are key to America’s future, the disciplines that will enable America to retake it’s place in the world, as innovators and creators – as we have always done again and again throughout our history. The kids that participate in programs like FIRST are our future!
If you haven’t seen a robot competition, you owe it to yourself to go check it out for yourself. All of the competitions are open to the public. Check the FIRST site for an event near you. Make the time to attend. See what these kids are capable of doing.
Disclosure: My son is a member of the award-winning Team 25 – Raider Robotix. My company is proud to help support the team.
