FIRST Louisiana-Mississippi

Using a robotics competition platform, it is the mission of FIRST Louisiana-Mississippi to inspire our youth to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields, and develop the technical and non-technical skills necessary to be successful, while also transforming our culture into one in which STEM is celebrated.

The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Bayou Regional is home to FIRST Robotics Competition teams competing in Louisiana. These high-school level teams, with the guidance of adult mentors, have limited time to design, build, and program their competitive robot to perform a series of sport-like tasks using offense, defense and scouting techniques. To build a successful robot, teams must use programming, CAD, mechanical and electrical engineering, automation, and robotics. Teams bring their robot to the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner, Louisiana, where they compete with other LA teams as well as with visiting teams from around the world, for a spot at the World Championship. FIRST is more than just robots. Teams learn project management, leadership skills, public speaking skills, deductive reasoning, business planning, fundraising, marketing, safety management, community service and the importance of working as a team. They leave this program with greater self-confidence, an awareness of their community and the environment surrounding it, and with transferrable skills that can bring to any college or career path they choose. FIRST Louisiana Mississippi

Testimonials

"Growing up around FIRST, I had no desire to be a part of the STEM world. I fought it tooth and nail all the way through my freshman year of high school. It wasn't until one day when the robotics team at my high school was short handed and needed more students to help that I considered being a part of the team. It only took that one day to completely change my perspective. FIRST gives you an opportunity to learn endlessly, fail quickly, and have the thrill of competition." -April Shulz, FRC Alum