FIRST Louisiana-Mississippi

FIRST Robotics Programs

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Programs

FIRST LEGO League Jr.

Each year, FIRST LEGO League Jr. presents a new and exciting Challenge to ignite the creativity of young children. While exploring the real-world theme, teams will learn about simple machines as they build a model made of LEGO® elements with a motorized part. They will also learn to present information through a Show Me Poster. Throughout their experience, teams will operate under a signature set of Core Values, celebrating discovery, teamwork, and Gracious Professionalism®.

FIRST LEGO League

Tomorrow’s innovators practice imaginative thinking and teamwork. Guided by adult Coaches, FIRST LEGO League teams research a real-world problem such as food safety, recycling, energy, etc., and are challenged to develop a solution. They also must design, build, program a robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS® technology, then compete on a table-top playing field. It all adds up to tons of fun while they learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and math concepts (STEM), plus a big dose of imagination, to solve a problem.

FIRST Tech Challenge

FTC is designed for students in grades 7-12 to compete head to head, using a sports model. Teams are responsible for designing, building, and programming their robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams. The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and is programmed using a variety of languages. Teams, including coaches, mentors and volunteers, are required to develop strategy and build robots based on sound engineering principles.

FIRST Robotics Competition

The varsity Sport for the Mind^TM, FRC combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams of 25 students or more are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. It’s as close to “real-world engineering” as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team.

Volunteers make up 99.9% of the FIRST workforce. Whether you have a weekend to help, want to mentor or start a team, or have technical or non-technical expertise, there is a volunteer role suited to your unique interest. Click the button below for more information about FIRST programs, volunteer opportunities, and more!

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About Us

We Are FIRST Louisiana-Mississippi

Serving the Youth of Louisiana & Mississippi through FIRST^®

About Us - FIRST® Louisiana-Mississippi was formed to support FIRST teams, and to grow FIRST programs throughout the Louisiana-Mississippi region. Based in New Orleans, LA, this 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity provides financial & logistical support for FIRST Teams and Events, as well as acting as a conduit between teams and corporate entities who are interested in supporting teams financially, or through in-kind donations or mentorships.
About FIRST - FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills.

Increased School Engagement
87% of FIRST participants are more interested in doing well in school.
Increased College Interest
89% of FIRST participants reported being more interested in going to college.
Choosing a STEM Major
41% of FIRST participants major in Engineering, including 33% of women.
21st Century Work/Life Skills
98% of FIRST gain improved problem solving skills, 95% increase time management skills and 93% increase conflict resolution skills.

Our Corporate Partners

FIRST Louisiana-Mississippi is Made Possible by the Generous Gifts of these Corporate Partners

Entergy

Presenting Sponsor
FRC Bayou Regional

Entergy supports STEM education initiatives by provided funding & volunteer support for student robotics programs, a $1 million dollar pledge to the LSU College of Engineering, and as the Presenting Sponsor of our own FRC Bayou Regional.

ARMY ROTC

ARMY ROTC INFO COMING SOON

FIRST Testimonials

What Business, Academia and Government are Saying about the value of FIRST

“FIRST is a lifestyle at Kettering – a gracious professionalism culture. We started offering FIRST Scholarships in 1999, making Kettering the third university in the country to do that. Along the way, we recruited great students who are a perfect fit for our University and co-op employers, and who now are great alumni. FIRST has been life changing for all of us. And once you’re in the FIRST family you stay!”

Bob Nichols

Director of External Affairs, Kettering University

“As my company has been involved with FIRST for the past 4 years, we decided to increase our impact and offer scholarships to select participants of the 2010 competition. The FIRST organization attracts such a high caliber of students that it made our selection process a difficult, but enjoyable one. We were able to directly affect the students in a way that our company never has before.”

Greg Vigil

Director, Industrial Business Development, Gates Corporation

“Every company that sells or resells something manufactured in this country is going to have exactly the same concern. They may not know it yet, but they are going to run into the same shortage that we have already recognized.
So, like NASA, it is in the best interest of all these companies to support programs which inspire young students to enter technical fields.”

Dave Lavery

NASA Program Executive for Solar System Exploration, NASA Headquarters