[ Back ]   [ More News ]   [ Home ]
FIRST® Robotics Competition Global Kickoff Event

More than 83,500 High-School Students Worldwide Tuning in for Unveiling of 2017 Robotics Challenge: FIRST STEAMWORKSSM

Over 3,340 Teams Participate through Twitch Livestream

Media Invited to Attend Local Kickoffs in 123 Venues Worldwide

(BUSINESS WIRE) — January 7, 2017FIRST®

Who: FIRST ® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) will be joined by numerous public figures to launch the 2017 season of the FIRST® Robotics CompetitionFIRST STEAMWORKSSM – with a worldwide Kickoff event originating from Manchester, N.H.

Dignitaries and public figures will deliver remarks on video and in-person, including:

What: Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. The FIRST Robotics Competition is an annual competition that challenges high-school students – working alongside professional Mentors – to construct a robot and compete in the ultimate Sport for the Mind™ that measures the effectiveness of each robot, the power of teamwork and collaboration, and each team’s display of Gracious Professionalism®. Through their participation, students experience the excitement of science, engineering, technology, and innovation; build well-rounded life capabilities such as self-confidence, communication, and leadership; and qualify for $30 million in college scholarships.

When: Saturday, January 7, 2017

10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time, Local Remarks (LIVE Manchester, N.H. only)

10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Twitch Livestream

Where*: Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), 2500 North River Road, Manchester, N.H. *OPEN TO ALL MEDIA: If you would like to attend as media, please contact Haley Dunn at hdunn@firstinspires.org or Brooke Blew at bblew@firstinspires.org.

2017 FIRST Robotics Competition Kickoff Event Locations:

Photo Opp.: FIRST will unveil the details of the new 2017 robotics competition game after the speaker program. Students take measurements on the new game field and inspect the challenge in order to develop strategies for robot construction, and to determine if they will play offense, defense, or both.

Livestream Link: http://firstinspires.org/robotics/frc/2017-broadcast

Media Notes:

About FIRST®
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $30 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST® Robotics Competition for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST® Tech Challenge for Grades 7-12; FIRST® LEGO® League for Grades 4-8; and FIRST® LEGO® League Jr. for Grades K-4. Gracious Professionalism® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.firstinspires.org



Contact:

FIRST ®
Brooke Blew, 603-206-2048
Email Contact
or
Haley Dunn, 603-206-2494
Email Contact