About FIRST®

FIRST®, or, "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology," was founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. Their mission, according to the FIRST® website, 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."

In 2016, the FIRST® Robotics around 75,000 students and 19,000 mentors participated from 24 countries. Of the 3,000 teams that built robots, the top 600 went to the worlds competition.

FIRST® Robotics Competition

The FIRST® Robotics Competition is, according to FIRST®, "a unique varsity sport of the mind designed to help high-school-aged young people discover how interesting and rewarding the life of engineers and researchers can be." Every year, every robotics team from around the United States, Canada, and other countries builds a robot to play a predetermined game using a standard "kit of parts" (issued to registered teams each January), a limited set of materials, and a little ingenuity and elbow grease. With this robot, the team travels to Regional Events, competing against one another in a fun, friendly atmosphere. Based on their performance at these competitions, teams may qualify to attend the Championship Event.

While the activity name seems to imply that the competition should be the main focus of FRC participants, FRC actually places an emphasis on "gracious professionalism," a phrase meaning acting in a manner that would make one's grandmother proud. Teams may face each other in qualifying and elimination matches, but that does not preclude them from offering their potential opponents assistance in programming a robot, building a new part, or repairing a damaged one. Reflecting this spirit, at FRC events, awards are given out not only to the winners, but to teams who have best demonstrated gracious professionalism, sportsmanship, and other notable qualities. A full listing of awards that can be won can be found here.

Since its inception in 1989, FRC has grown to encompass more than 1,600 teams representing multiple countries. Hundreds of new teams are added to the FRC family every year, competing in Regional Events held around the United States, Brazil, Canada, and Israel.

Who Are We?

Westside Boiler Invasion is the FIRST© robotics team of West Lafayette Jr./Sr. High School. Our members work throughout the year by building robots, programming, and holding outreach events in the community to promote FIRST® robotics and STEAM education. Our FIRST robotics team provides a place for students to develop skills for future careers in STEAM.

What do we do?

The FIRST® and WBI programs attract the interest of students in the fields of science and technology. These organizations affect everyone involved, including teachers, advisors, sponsors, and the community. While involvement in FIRST requires a lot of work, the work pays back tenfold.

Each January, FIRST® announces the rules for the year's game. The high school team members work with engineers, teachers, and college advisors to design and construct a robot to play the game. Constructing the robot is a difficult task--each team gets merely six weeks to complete it, after which teams compete in regional and national competitions. Although the competition and the building of the robot take only a few weeks, Westside Boiler Invasion works throughout the entire year.

How We Exist

If it weren't for the generosity of the individuals and businesses who sponsor our program, we would not have the resources to provide these great opportunities for our community.

What is our mission?

Our mission is to inspire students to excel in STEM fields by providing them with hands-on, mentor-based experiences, allowing them to forge the path of tomorrow.

What is our vision?

Our vision is to foster the education of the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.

How do we change lives?

FIRST® and Westside Boiler Invasion teach important skills to their members and community. Team involvement also strengthens students' life skills, particularly their organization, dedication, and capacity for hard work.

Support Us

If it weren't for the generosity of the individuals and businesses who sponsor our program, we would not have the resources to provide these great opportunities for our community.

• Diamond Sponsor ($1000)
  • Large logo on donor shirt
  • Promoted on website
  • Company logo on the robot
• Platinum Sponsor ($500)
  • Large logo on donor shirt and website
  • Small company logo on the robot
• Gold Sponsor ($250)
  • Large logo on donor shirt and website
• Silver Sponsor ($100)
  • Logo on donor shirt and website
• Bronze Sponsor ($50)
  • Name on donor shirt and website

If you are interesting in sponsoring us, please contact us. Donations can also be sent to our parent organization at: 461 Boosters PO Box 2734 West Lafayette, IN 47996 Team 461 retains tax-exempt status pursuant to the provisions of United States Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). The tax identification number and copies of the IRS determination letter are available upon request. Please contact us for more information.