“Robotics is not just about the manufacturing of a robot, it takes community involvement and teamwork. It is not just our school’s robot, it is our town’s robot. It stretched beyond even that. The experience I enjoyed from FIRST robotics has been totally awesome!” — FIRST Team Member
Students
FIRST provides opportunities you won’t find anywhere else, and there are opportunities for anyone, technical and non-technical alike. There are critical roles in mechanical design, building, programming, graphic design, business and finance, and public relations and marketing, to name a few. If your school already has a team, try attending a meeting. Don’t be afraid to try something you don’t entirely know, and be sure to ask lots of questions. If your school doesn’t yet have a team, consider working with a teacher to start one.
And did we mention the over $11 million in college scholarships available to FIRST participants?
Schools
A FIRST team brings many benefits to students that are reflected outside of team activities. Over 89% of FIRST participants reported an increase in self confidence from their time in the program1 and 70% of alumni reported increased motivation in their school studies; over 88% of FIRST alumni go on to college2.
Start a Team and bring these benefits to your school.
Corporations
Part of what makes FIRST special is mentorship. Corporations and industry professionals bring their expertise to the team, and impart their skills to the students. Building robots also takes a lot of resources, so also consider donating monetarily or in-kind to the FIRST program. Help out your community and the future generation by sponsoring a FIRST team.
Invest in our students – the engineers, scientists, computer programmers, and technologists of the future. Be a sponsor of FIRST programs in Pittsburgh.
Volunteers
FIRST is a volunteer-driven and -operated organization. Our success is a direct result of the extraordinary commitment of individuals who give their time and resources.
FIRST‘s volunteers include: community leaders, employees of corporate sponsors, teachers, parents, university students and faculty, and FIRST alumni and friends.
Volunteer roles include robot inspectors, team queuers, field reset, safety glasses attendants and more. These positions require little to no technical experience and any time you could give is greatly appreciated. Please e-mail Ali Marinari at firstpittsburghvolunteers@
For more information on volunteering, read about Volunteering at USFIRST.org.
Alumni
You did FIRST in high school, but now you can get involved in a whole new way, by inspiring the next generation of FIRSTers. Contact Ryan Cahoon, President of the Pittsburgh FIRST Alumni Association, to get involved.
