Penn State Extension Centre County 4-H was selected to start a FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC®) Team in 2012. We assembled a group of 20 interested high school students, gathered great mentors with science/technology backgrounds, and formed a team. Our first year, we placed 9th out of 49 teams, as the highest seeded rookie. In the 2013 competition the following year, we placed 5th overall. Although we did not place as well at the next 2 years' competitions, we learned a lot, participated in numerous public events, won a statewide 4-H robotics competition, and started 3 FLL teams. This year's season has ended, but we will continue to meet during the offseason and engage in the Centre County community.
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About FIRST
"{The vision of FIRST is} To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders."
Dean Kamen, Founder
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an organization that promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills through various robotics competitions. There are four levels of FIRST programs that cater to students from ages 6-18 with increasing levels of complexity. All FIRST teams honor FIRST’s values of Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition throughout their build, competition, and off seasons. FIRST not only encourages STEM skills but also business, leadership, public speaking, organization, creativity, good sportsmanship, and teamwork.
The Vision of FIRST
As the largest youth development organization in the nation, 4-H educates students about agriculture, the environment, creative arts, healthy living, science and technology, and business and citizenship. The 4-H’s are Head, to represent managing and thinking; Heart, which portrays relating and caring; Hands, which symbolize giving and working; and Health, for being and living. There are currently over 6 million students from elementary through high school who, as 4-H’ers, follow the mottos “learning by doing” and “to make the best better.” These students are instructed by certified adult volunteers and strive to serve and engage in their communities.
For more information, visit The National 4-H website
About 4-H
