NYC FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is set to launch its 2016 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) with 50 teams and more than 350 local high school students competing in the 16th annual kickoff events on January 9th. The Brooklyn event will be held at LIU Brooklyn at Kumble Theater and the Manhattan event will be held at Columbia University in Davis Auditorium. The kickoff marks the beginning of the design and build season, complete with a unique medieval theme this year.

Professional engineers have volunteered to partner with and mentor local students to build and program a robot capable of performing prescribed tasks against a range of competitors. The NYC FIRST competitions teach students design, project management and strategic thinking skills, as well as how to use sophisticated, high-tech software and hardware.

“We’re excited to head into another competition season knowing we are providing students with the opportunity to experience real-world engineering and the guidance to learn 21st century life skills needed to be successful when entering the workforce,” said Pat Daly, Executive Director of NYC FIRST. “The kickoff not only allows teams to prepare for the upcoming competition season, it also enables them to network with one another, brainstorm ideas, and gain valuable problem-solving skills.”

Dubbed a varsity Sport for the Mind, FRC combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Teams of 10 or more high-school students are challenged to build and program a robot to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors, raise funds, design a team “brand,” and hone teamwork skills. Details of the 2016 medieval-themed competition game, FIRST STRONGHOLD, will be revealed at the kickoff.

Following the kickoff events, students have six weeks to perfect their robotic creations before the 16th annual New York City FIRST Competition & Expo. The competition will be held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center on March 11-13, 2016.

In addition to the FIRST Robotics Competition, the expo will also include three other program competitions involving local K-12 students: FIRST LEGO League, Jr. FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge. Teams from all over the world will join to compete at the three-day regional competition, which will culminate with award-winning teams advancing to represent the New York City region at the FIRST® World Championship, April 27-30 in St. Louis. All FIRST events are free and open to the public.

Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in young people. FIRST competitions and tournaments allow communities to convey the importance of their students’ achievements in these fields. Through their participation, K-12 students experience the excitement of STEM and innovation; build well-rounded life capabilities such as self-confidence, communication and teamwork, and leadership; and qualify for nearly $25 million in college scholarships.