The 501C3 organization was founded here in Chattanooga in 2017 to promote STEM education through robotics. The local organization followed the national organization FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). FIRST was founded as a non-profit organization by Dean Kamen in 1989, to promote STEM knowledge in the way sports activities are promoted.
Programs supported by FIRST:
FIRST Lego League (FLL) Discover (K-1)
FLL Explore (grades 2-4)
FLL Competition (grades 4-8)
FTC (grades 7-12)
FRC (grades 9-12)
TNVR programming now also include VEX. VEX REC Foundation (Robotics Education & Competition Foundation) is the non-profit arm of VEX.
Programs supported by VEX
VEX GO (2-4)
VEX 123 (4-6)
VEX IQ Challenge (4-8)
VEX Robotics Competition (6-12)
VEX U (University)
Newest addition - MATE (Marine Advanced Technology Education) ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) Competition, with programs:
SCOUT (K-4)
NAVIGATOR (5-8 & 9-12)
RANGER (5-8 & 9-12)
EXPLORER (community and technical colleges, universities)
There will be a competition at GPS in 2022. The Tennessee Aquarium and UTC are co-sponsors.
Volunteer Opportunities
FLL – Need volunteers for
12/4/2021 at Hunter Middle School in Ooltewah, TN
12/11/2021 at Adairsville Middle School, Adairsville, GA
1/29/2022 at Volkswagen Chattanooga Conference Center
Contact Scott Rosenow or Richard Manning
VEX IQ Competition – Need volunteers for
11/20/2021 at Volkswagen Chattanooga Conference Center
Contact Scott Rosenow
MATE – Need volunteers for
May 2022 @ GPS (date TBD)
Contact Tracy Hightower
FTC – Need volunteers for
February 2022 at MTSU (date TBD)
Contact Richard Manning
FRC – Need Mentors for CGLA
Contact Richard Manning
Greenpower USA electric racers – Need volunteers for
November 19 & 20 at Ross’ Landing
Contact: Kelley Cureton
Email:
Kelley Cureton - kelley@greenspaceschattanooga.org
Tracy Hightower - tehighto@tva.gov
Richard Manning – rpmanning@tnvrobotics.org
Scott Rosenow – serosenow@tnvrobotics.org