What is FIRST Robotics?

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology

FIRST is the non-profit whose vision is to "inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators 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." 

​Programs are available for Pre-K through grade 12.  PIE3 helps parents learn about and access materials for the youngest students, with increasing levels of involvement in the middle and high school teams, which can require space, tools and equipment and generally result larger teams.

See www.firstinspires.org for more.

Where we began...

Our story actually began before our official start as a 501(c)3 in 2011.  In the fall of 2006, students from Liberty High School were part of a FIRST Robotics Competition team meeting at the Career and Technology Center in Westminster. They advocated for a team of their own, and the Robo-Lions were conceived and had their first competition in 2007, supported by a NASA grant and mentored by two Liberty teachers and some parent volunteers.
Unfortunatley, space and funding were not available, but interest grew until the team had over 40 members in 2010.  The meetings were moved to a nearby warehouse space, and a group of parents formed a booster group and established the 501(c)3 non-profit Partnership and Inspiration for Engineering Education and Entrepreneurship (PIE3).  
Eventually the warehouse owner found a tenant and a period of moves from garage to basement to basement garage began.  Meanwhile, a series of other teams in middle schools and in the community were added to the family. After years of advocating for more school teams to be supported, 2019 saw an explosion of teams in schools, and over 20 community teams under PIE3.  The pandemic was definitely a setback, but we renewed our commitment to "Robotics for All", and envision a strong recovery for 2022.  
See the team pages for more about the wide variety of teams currently in the "family".

​About the Teams

​There are three levels within FIRST, and PIE3 supports teams at each level in different ways.  We also partner with Carroll County Public Schools to grow teams within the school system.

​FLL

​Options for Pre-K-8

There are three programs grouped under FIRST LEGO League - Discover, Explore and Challenge.  FLL Challenge teams compete in a local event, and the season begins in September.  Explore teams can start anytime and enjoy fun learning with robots.

​FTC

Open to students grades 7-12

FIRST Tech Challenge robots are fit in an 18"x18"x18" box, but can do amazing things once they engage on the field of play.  Teams are generally 10 member or smaller, and can meet in a member's home or at our workshop in Finksburg.  The season starts in September.

​FRC

​Open to student grades 9-12

 ​FIRST Robotics Competition is the "Varsity Sport for the Mind" and an intense experience, kicking off in January each year with a new game. Robots can weigh 120 lbs, and require more equipment and space.  Team size varies from less than 10 to nearly 100.