History of Purdue FIRST Programs
Purdue FIRST Programs was started in the fall of 1999 as the Westside Boiler Invasion robotics team through a partnership between the Purdue Student Engineering Foundation (PSEF) and the West Lafayette Community School Corporation (WLCSC). Though most people on PSEF never heard of FIRST, they thought it would be a great fit with their mission: to inform high school students about the endless opportunities of science and technology. Through a collaborative effort between members of PSEF and WLSC, the Westside Boiler Invasion team was formed; involving 18 high school students from West Lafayette and Harrison High Schools, 12 Purdue University Students, and 3 faculty members. The biggest obstacle during this year was finding financial support. The team scraped by on a minimal budget and became creative in finding funding to attend the National Championship at Epcot Center (such as receiving funds from other FIRST teams). The team, through a tie-dying mishap, earned the nickname "Team Sherbet" and went on to earn the Rookie All-Star award at the Motorola Midwest Regional.
In the fall of 2001, FIRST Programs at Purdue added two new divisions in addition to the Robotics portion. The FIRST LEGO League Program (now also called FIRST Junior Robotics) has become an integral part of our programs. It continues to blossom and has become an important fixture in the community. The Regional Event Development team was also added at this time, which planned and hosted the Lafayette area's first official FIRST event: the 2002 Purdue LEGO League Regional, an event which serves students from across the Midwest. The Regional Event Development team is in the planning process for a Robotics regional in to be held at Purdue in Spring 2005.
In the Spring of 2004, Purdue FIRST Programs separated from the Purdue Student Engineering Foundation and became its own organizational entity; this change enabled FIRST programs to increase its impact in the community even further.
Six years after its inception by a dedicated Purdue freshman and a group of motivated advisors, the entire organization has become a strong role model in FIRST and has expanded to include approximately 50 high school students, 50 middle school students, and 40 Purdue Students. FIRST Programs is engaged in a continuous effort to improve and influence the lives of more school students and the community-at-large.
- FIRST: The Organization - Here is a brief introduction to the FIRST program, its mission, its impact on the community, etc.
- History of Purdue FIRST Programs - A brief history of Purdue FIRST Programs, including when we started, and why we are here.
- Our Vision and Mission - The vision of Purdue FIRST Programs and what we hope to accomplish.
- Executive Committee - Meet the members of the student executive board and the faculty advisory board.
- FAQ - Frequently asked quesitons about Purdue First Programs