GeorgiaFIRST is the regional arm of FIRST® that promotes these endeavors in Georgia. GeorgiaFIRST engages kids in the creative ‘hands-on, minds-on” process of technological innovation.
The mission of GeorgiaFIRST goal is to get kids excited about science and technology, have them attend one of the prestigious institutes of higher learning, and upon graduation, stay in Georgia for their careers. By doing this, GeorgiaFIRST is able to ‘put Georgia first.’ Our best resource, our youth, contribute to the growth and sustainability of our innovative work force.
The GeorgiaFIRST regional program is a non-profit organization that relies on volunteers and sponsors to operate. Hundreds of volunteers devote their time and talent to making GeorgiaFIRST the premiere program that it is. In addition, our sponsor (see sponsor page) allow us to support teams, hold competitions, and reach out to the community. Currently GeorgiaFIRST has around 4,500 students participating in all three programs. Our students are given an opportunity to work first hand with scientist, engineers, business leaders and technicians who serve as mentors to our teams. This real-world experience and the relationships they form within the community are beyond what the classroom is able to offer. We see our program as an extension to the learning experience.
Please join us for one of our premiere Robotics events:
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The FIRST® Robotics Competition Peachtree Regional – Georgia World Congress Center
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The FIRST® Tech Challenge State Tournament – Walton High School (2016 - 2017 TBD)
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The FIRST® Lego League State Tournament – Georgia Tech
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G.R.I.T.S (Georgia Robotics Invitational Tournament and Showcase) – Georgia World Congress Center
GeorgiaFIRST couldn't happen without these Sponsors
FIRST began in Georgia in 2003 with the first FRC regional competition, the Peachtree Regional, held at the Gwinnett Civic Center. Today, the Peachtree Regional has expanded to include two regional events, one held at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta (host to 65 FRC teams) and one at the Macon CenterPlex in Macon (host to 50+ FRC teams) with teams from Georgia, surrounding states and countries. These two premier regional events are designed to allow our teams to showcase, compete, collaborate and learn the art of grace under pressure as they go head-to-head with high school robotics teams that have designed, fabricated and programed robots from a common kit-of-parts and lot of creativity. GeorgiaFIRST also hosts a series of FTC qualifiers around the state that lead to our State Championship which hosts 36 teams from several states. FTC teams include both high school and middle school students. In addition to building robots (the technical side of a team), FRC & FTC teams must address both the engineering and business side of things. They document their design process, build process, programming, and other aspects of the path that led them to creat their robot. They also create business models, secure sponsorship by developing business and marketing plans, and look for ways to bring their team before the community and corporate world. Being on a FIRST team is so much more than just building a robot – you are creating a small company (real world)!
GeorgiaFIRST is the regional arm of FIRST that promotes these endeavors in Georgia. GeorgiaFIRST engages kids in the creative ‘hands-on, minds-on” process of technological innovation. Our goal is to get kids excited about science and technology, have them attend one of our prestigious institutes of higher learning, and uponc graduation, stay in Georgia for their careers. By doing this, we are able to ‘put Georgia first.’ Our best resource, our youth, contribute to the growth and sustainability of our innovative work force.
GeorgiaFIRST is a non-profit organization (501c3) that relies on volunteers and sponsors to operate. Hundreds of volunteers devote their time and talent to making GeorgiaFIRST the premiere program that it is. GeorgiaFIRST and FIRST teams are reliant on the generosity of sponsors and donors. The cost associated with being a part of a FIRST team: FRC – $10,000 to $15,000 or FTC - $1,500 – $5000 is something that we never want to pass along to a school system or participating student. Our corporate sponsors and their generous monetary support allow our programs, teams and events to exist. Again, this is a win/win situation for all involved. The student/team/volunteer/mentor develops an awareness of a corporation and the branding process occurs. The sponsor develops a relationship with a potential employee of the highest caliber – workforce development at its best! Sponsoring a FIRST team or event elevates awareness not only within the FIRST community but also within other corporate and individual sponsors, spectators at events, all associated with a FIRST team and the community. When asked, ‘ Why do you choose to support FIRST in our state?” Most sponsors response, “Because it is the right thing to do!”
FIRST is a mentor based program by design. It would be near impossible for these talented students to be successful and competitive without the help and guidance of their mentors, coaches and teachers. The ability to pass along knowledge and wisdom to this next generation is a gift of invaluable measure. This is a win/win situation for both sides – the student and mentor. Mentor guidance is needed in the areas of technical (electrical, mechanical, fabrication, programing, design (CAD), etc.) and business (business plans, marketing, presentations, public speaking, project management etc.) There is a place for everyone on a FIRST team.
FIRST Robotics teams (FRC) are comprised of 15 to 100+ students per team. FIRST Tech Challenge teams (FTC) are comprised of 4 to 20 students per team. In fact, some of our schools in Georgia can now boast that their robotics teams are larger than their football teams! A major focus area for GeorgiaFIRST is the underserved community and increasing the population of females on our teams. These are two areas that can have the biggest impact in terms of changing lives. Awareness of possibilities, encouragement from mentors, advocates for opportunities, etc. can give these two populations the boost they need to change a mindset, change a situation and change a culture. The impact from being on a FIRST team has been measured by many different studies by Brandeis University and others and the results can be found here:
