FTC - First Tech Challenge
Grades 9-12
"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, Founder
The mission of FTC is to inspire and encourage young people to become involved and engaged in science and technology through exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills and knowledge. These young people will develop leadership, self-confidence, and communication, as well as developing team participation and collaboration. These individuals will continue to be life-long learners and will seek out ways of inspiring future generations.
FTC competitions allow for teams to collaborate with and compete against one another in a series of matches, using their robots in a variety of ways to achieve the highest score. These competitions require teamwork, gracious professionalism*, and cooperation to overcome the challenges teams face. Teams must reach out to each other and to their communities while still respecting and emphasizing the value of individuals.
*Gracious Professionalism is a term coined by Dr. Woodie Flowers, FIRST National Adviser and Pappalardo Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. Gracious Professionalism is part of pursuing a meaningful life.