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FIRST® in Alabama

Our mission is to increase access to FIRST® programs in Alabama so that every Alabama student has the opportunity to participate in FIRST. We aim to inspire young people in the state of Alabama to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication and leadership.

What We're All About

FIRST® in Alabama works toward these goals providing the FIRST® progression of programs, from FIRST® LEGO® League to FIRST® Tech Challenge and FIRST® Robotics Competition. These programs support youth from ages 4 to 18 years old. We organize competitive events in all three FIRST programs as well as non-competitive, showcase, training, workshops and informative events. We also provide support for new and existing teams in these programs by creating and maintaining a state-wide network of contacts within and across the FIRST programs. All FIRST program and events are organized and run by a group of dedicated and accomplished of mentors, sponsors, alumni, volunteers, including the parents, educators, friends and family, who spend many hours each year to make FIRST a reality forall of the students in Alabama.

FIRST Values

Gracious Professionalism®

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. 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 always competing, but assisting and enabling others when you can.

FIRST® Core Values

Discovery Core Value

DISCOVERY

We explore new skills and ideas.
Innovation Core Value

INNOVATION

We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.
Impact Core Value

IMPACT

We apply what we learn to improve our world.
Teamwork Core Value

TEAMWORK

We are stronger when we work together.
Inclusion Core Value

INCLUSION

We respect each other and embrace our differences.
Fun Core Value

FUN

We enjoy and celebrate what we do.
Spreadsheet data

IMPACT DATA

FIRST invests in evaluation to continuously measure and inform the organization in its effectiveness in reaching its desired outcomes and making data-driven decisions to improve programs. Internal and external studies are conducted to assess impact on youth participants including understanding changes in STEM interest and intent, education achievement, post-high school plans, career intent and outcomes related to 21st century work skills, as a result of participating in FIRST.

Impact Data Flip BookAll Impact Studies