Mouser is donating electronic components to students in partnership with the Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA) as a major sponsor of FIRST Robotics. 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. FIRST, based in Manchester, NH, designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology and engineering.
This year, more than 3,400 teams from around the globe will compete in a new quest, FIRST® STEAMWORKSSM. Starting January 7, teams will build, program and test robots with the guidance of adult mentors as they ready their contraptions and prepare to take flight.
Teams of 10 or more high school students (ages 14-18/grades 9-12) will get a test of real-world business and engineering. The challenge: build and program a robot to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors, raise funds, design a team brand and hone teamwork skills. Participants will compete for nearly $30 million in scholarships from more than 200 universities and colleges.
The competition kicks off at over 120 multi-day events worldwide—with the 2017 FIRST Robotics Championship at the George R. Brown Convention Center, April 12–22 in Houston, TX, as well as the 2017 FIRST Championship at the Edward Jones Dome, April 26-29 in St. Louis, MO.
