Hello there, and welcome to the new QWERTY Robotics homepage! We are a FIRST Robotics team, #3278, based out of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Our goal, through participation in FIRST, is to enable students to learn more about science and technology while providing a positive learning environment through our mentors. We also strive to spread FIRST’s message by promoting STEM education within our local community and emphasizing the importance of science and technology in our world today. We completed our 11th season of FIRST, and are currently in our 12th season! 

The competition is happening soon!

It’s from March 29 through April 1st. Come see it in William’s Arena at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, or watch it live on Twitch at https://frc-events.firstinspires.org/watch.

Just what is FIRST anyway?

By now you may be wondering, what exactly is FIRST?
FIRST is an acronym meaning For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. FIRST is a non-profit organization that plans, enables, and organizes the competition we take part in each year.

Oh, you want to know FIRST’s mission too?

Taken from FIRST’s website, firstinspires.org, FIRST’s goal is:

“To give students access to a STEM program to learn, build, and work with technology, while teaching and exposing them to key leadership and critical thinking skills.”

That’s all well and good, but how do you expect to do all this?

Well, a huge part of FIRST and their goals is the concept of gracious professionalism:

Taken from FIRST’s website:

“Gracious Professionalism is part of the ethos of FIRST. It’s a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community.  With Gracious Professionalism, fierce competition and mutual gain are not separate notions. Gracious professionals learn and compete like crazy, but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process. They avoid treating anyone like losers. No chest-thumping tough talk, but no sticky-sweet platitudes either. Knowledge, competition, and empathy are comfortably blended.  In the long run, Gracious Professionalism is part of pursuing a meaningful life. One can add to society and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing one has acted with integrity and sensitivity.”

Gracious Professionalism is the first step toward inspiring students and helping to create a better tomorrow for all of us.