Well originally my team and I were taking robotics class because it seemed interesting. Then when we least expected it around mid-December we got a call that we had been given a grant to compete in FIRST. Our reaction to it was, well my reaction to it personally, was,"Wow, umm yea...what's FIRST? Sounds big." Well it was big, so big really, that it has the ability to change our life forever, or so they say. This is our first year in FIRST so as a rookie team we didn't know what to do. I mean we had to get sponsors and had to come up with an idea for a robot. We didn't even know if we had all the money that was necessary. But finally we came through, and even though it was a bumpy and confusing ride, I think we're gonna do pretty good. So our quest had begun. Below is the letter that we sent out to gather support and sponsors and I think it explains a lot about FIRST and what we're about.

Hercules Middle/High School Robotics competes at FIRST

The least you need to know:

High School Students will be competing at the FIRST robotics competition at UC Davis on March 20-22nd with 32 other teams from the region.
The FIRST robotics competition is HUGE! Over 1000 teams compete, over $8 million in scholarships is given out, the competition is exciting, and the build cycle is intense. Along the way – a lot of math, science, and engineering is put to practical use.
The robot will be built during robotics class and after school (and possibly some Saturdays) between Monday Jan. 7 and Friday Feb. 15. SIX WEEKS!
The robotics class will not have enough time to do this on their own. We are expanding our team to students who are willing to work in the afternoons.
We need money and help. Please read on and contact Mr. Taylor if you are willing to contribute or know others who will.

More background:

We received a last minute grant from FIRST for $4000 and additional funds from ROP for $2000 to cover the $6000 entry fee ($6000! Yikes! Agreed! But this is a major competition and part of the cost covers a large portion of the robot).
We still need more money. There are tools to buy, additional parts that will be needed, team materials to be created, and travel costs that will be incurred. The robotics class is currently writing letters to try to get corporate sponsors. If you know of someone who might contribute, please let us know. Ideally we are trying to find one sponsor whose name will go on the robot ($2500 contribution) and five more names that will go on the back of our team t-shirt ($500 each).
The game changes every year. Check out www.usfirst.org to see past games and past robot designs.
This is more than just driving a robot (only two students will drive the robot at the competition and they will be selected by the team). This is about:

understanding a problem (in this case, the game – which may consist of multiple problems)
coming up with multiple plans to resolve the problem
designing a machine to execute those plans
learning how to use tools and parts in a safe manner
building a machine based on those designs
testing the machine to see if it does what its supposed to do
programming the machine to accomplish some of those tasks without human intervention
making adjustments when things go wrong
creating a team identity through logos, t-shirts, and a website
taking on roles and responsibilities
contributing to a team

Come prepared to take a role, work hard, and have fun!

School Address: Hercules High School, 1900 Refugio Valley Rd., Hercules CA 94547
Teacher: Mr. Taylor Cell: 925-639-9337 School: 510-231-1429 ext. 25208
E-mail: mtaylor@wccusd.net

What we can use (please put name and number on any tools loaned):

Screwdrivers
Allen Keys
Wrenches
Socket Set
Hacksaw
Pliers
Calipers
Tape Measures
Clamps
Files (for grinding down)
Wire Strippers
Drills
Jig Saw
Dremel
Workhorse (Portable Work bench with clamps)
Materials (Wood, Metal, Nails, Screws, Nuts, Bolts, Plexiglass, PVC pipe for building both robot and practice field)

Student Roles to be Filled (adult mentors welcome to help with these!):
Treasurer/Finance
Publicity (both putting it out and bring it in)
Graphic Designer (T-shirt, Logo)
Web Designer (look, content, organization)
Team Theme/Enthusiam
Rules Enforcer (must know game/FIRST/answer questions)
Safety Inspector
Design Team Leader
Programming Leader
Drive Team Leader (not necessary the driver)
Mobility Leader
Special Forces Leader (arms, levers, cannons)
Travel Agent
Tools Manager
Parts Manager
Photographer
Videographer