When For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) founder Dean Kamen was in high school he literally lifted his parents’ house off its foundation.

He did it because he wanted to have the proper tools to build things, but a machine shop wouldn’t fit through the door.

“For me, the FIRST Championship is a little like that story,” Kamen wrote in a letter in the FIRST Championship program.

He added that those involved in FIRST have “decided the society we live in needs to be lifted off its foundation” in a way which will inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people.

That is an apt description of the reason the Chickasaw Nation became involved.

“We became involved with the FIRST program because it is a great way to expand on Chickasaw Nation efforts to promote an interest in science and technology,” said Gov. Bill Anoatubby. “Mentors and role models in these arenas inspire our young people with powerful evidence of the tremendous opportunities available in these fields.”

Chickasaw Nation Aviation and Space Academy, founded in 2003, is designed to inspire students to take an interest in aviation, space, engineering and related fields.

At least four scholarships offered through the Chickasaw Foundation are designed to assist students who are pursuing an education in various science fields.

These include the John Bennett Herrington Scholarship, the Irene C. Howard Memorial Scholarship, the Computercraft Scholarship and the Pearl Carter Scott Aviation Scholarship.

Each of the local seniors involved in the FIRST robotics program were awarded Chickasaw Nation Innovation scholarships during student appreciation night ceremonies April 28.

Nationwide, the FIRST program provides a number of opportunities for scholarships through other entities.

Close to $10 million in scholarship money is offered through more than 110 scholarship providers associated with the FIRST program. Most of those are colleges and universities who understand the value of the program.

The FIRST Robotics Competition is a unique varsity sport of the mind that challenges high school students and mentors to solve a common problem in six weeks using a standard kit of parts and a common set of rules.

The competition redefines winning for these students because they are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism, maturity and the ability to overcome obstacles.

Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last.

Six Chickasaw students participated in the FIRST team co-sponsored by the Chickasaw Nation and the Pontotoc technology Center.

Team members not only designed and built the robot, they completed several community service projects. They also wrote essays and news articles, along with creating a safety manual, website and video.

Chickasaw students involved in the FIRST project are Destiny Hatton, Tosha Taylor and Jessica Nail, of Vanoss High School; Jacob Pittman, Tishomingo High School; Nikki Stepps and Candace Williams, of Ada High School.

The FIRST mission is to inspire young people 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.

For more information, visit http://www.usfirst.org/default.aspx. 

Dean Kamen is the Founder of FIRST and President of DEKA Research & Development Corporation based in Manchester, NH. DEKA is a dynamic company focused on the development of revolutionary new technologies that span a diverse set of applications. As an inventor, physicist, and entrepreneur, Dean has dedicated his life to developing technologies that help people lead better lives. Some notable breakthrough medical devices include the HomeChoice® portable dialysis machine, marketed by Baxter Healthcare, and the Independence® IBOT® 4000 Mobility System, a sophisticated mobility aid, developed for Johnson & Johnson. Dean is also widely recognized as the inventor of the Segway® Human Transporter, which was designed to provide a clean alternative for short distance travel and enhance people’s productivity. One of Dean’s newest projects is a water purification system that is being designed to help provide clean drinking water to the estimated 1.1 billion of people in the world who lack access to clean water.