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Unread 04-11-2014, 01:45
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cadandcookies cadandcookies is offline
Director of Programs, GOFIRST
AKA: Nick Aarestad
FTC #9205 (The Iron Maidens)
Team Role: College Student
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Rookie Year: 2009
Location: Minnesnowta
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Re: FIRST-like Programs at the College Level

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chief Hedgehog View Post
The University of Minnesota has it's own Robotics team http://www.mngofirst.org/ as well as offering a team in the Solar Powered Vehicle challenge https://www.facebook.com/umnsvp.

UW Stout Polytechnic has been very successful in the Purdue Rube Goldberg challenge http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/rubegoldberg/.

I am certain that there are others - but in terms of the organization that FRC has - no, not anything yet.

So light the fire in your own college/university!
I feel like I have to jump in now because GOFIRST was mentioned

GOFIRST currently competes in several competitions, including IGVC (Independent Ground Vehicle Competition) and the Autonomous Snowplow competition. In the past we've also competed in CARD (Collegiate Aerial Robotics Demonstration) and an underwater robotics competition. Every year we explore new competitions or projects to compete in or build during that school year.

However, building a robot is really only half of a "FIRST experience" as many would say-- we also mentor many area teams and volunteer at local FIRST competitions at all levels, as well as hosting several offseason events to help teach teams about both basic and advanced/developing robotics knowledge.

GOFIRST also has a group at Dunwoody College of Technology and is in talks to form groups at a few other Midwestern universities.

If you're just interested in building cool things, there are plenty of engineering competitions out there that have been mentioned in this thread. If you're interested in also doing things on the outreach/ "Broader FIRST" side of things, starting or joining a FIRST support organization, mentoring a team, or volunteering at events are all options. Do try to keep in mind that there's a much broader aspect of life than just FIRST-- get involved with other student organizations and activities.

If you (or anyone reading this) are interested in starting a FIRST support organization like GOFIRST or PurdueFIRST, send me a PM and I can get you in contact with our president and help with any questions you might have.
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MN FTC Field Manager, FTA, CSA, Emcee
FLL Maybe NXT Year (09-10) -> FRC 2220 (11-14) -> FTC 9205(14-?)/FRC 2667 (15-16)
VEXU UMN (2015-??)
Volunteer since 2011
2013 RCA Winner (North Star Regional) (2220)
2016 Connect Award Winner (North Super Regional and World Championship) (9205)
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