Core Values

• Teach the FIRST Core Values

  • Gracious Professionalism

Dr. Woodie Flowers, FIRST National Advisor and Pappalardo Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, coined the term "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.

• • Coopertition

Coopertition produces innovation. At FIRST, Coopertition is displaying unqualified kindness and respect in the face of fierce competition. Coopertition is founded on the concept and a philosophy that teams can and should help and cooperate with each other even as they compete.

 

Coopertition involves learning from teammates. It is teaching teammates. It is learning from mentors. And it is managing and being managed. Coopertition means competing always, but assisting and enabling others when you can.

• Promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)

• Promote Teamwork

• Sustain Existing Team and Measured Growth of Team

• Recruit & Develop Mentors

  • Adults

  • Students

 

Our goals are that students…

...design and build a robot over a three to six month period in order to compete in qualifying and championship tournaments.

…gain experience in mechanical design (including CAD (Computer Aided Design)), building, computer programming, operation and teamwork.

…apply their unique creativity, science and math knowledge to physical devices of their own design, which, in turn, will give them an enhanced appreciation for their formal education and a better idea of what they’d like to study after graduation.

…experience the pride of making something that is difficult, impressive, and requires significant planning.

…will be able to give brief and detailed technical descriptions of their work to in-field experts, media and the public of all ages.

 

Students are also dedicated to reach out to the local, regional and worldwide communities, promoting student robotics and STEM, in general.  This occurs, informally, during everyday interactions, and formally at numerous events, demonstrations and presentations year-round.

Team members are expected to behave maturely and conduct themselves with “gracious professionalism” (as defined by FIRST) in all their interactions.