TRC Strategic Plan

Our driving vision is to accelerate talent development for K-12 students in Technology, Robotics, and Computer Science (TRC) inspiring them to pursue careers and education in STEAM to become the future leaders in Science and Technology.

Our 5 Year Strategic Plan:
2020-2025

Dare Mighty Things

Our Mission:

To inspire the next generation of bright minds to dare mighty things in Technology, Robotics and Computer Science (TRC) while making a positive impact in our community and eventually the world. 

Our Driving Vision:

Our driving vision is to accelerate talent development for K-12 students in Technology, Robotics, and Computer Science (TRC) inspiring them to pursue careers and education in STEAM to become the future leaders in Science and Technology.


TRC Strategic Objectives:

Unleash the Power of S.T.E.A.M.

To introduce students to potential education and career paths in science, technology, engineering, art/design, and math.

Design and Build Competitive Robots

To design and build highly competitive robots for participation in FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics Competition events.

Robotics and Technology Outreach

Increase our community engagement efforts with inclusion and technology outreach to homeschool and community students in Middle Tennessee.

TRC Strategic Actions:


  • Discover the possibilities that exist in engineering technology, robotics and computer science.


  • Encourage critical thinking and innovation using the engineering design process.


  • Construct a hands-on learning environment where students actively learn and explore the exciting world of science and engineering.


  • Connect as many students as possible to engaging online learning experiences and real-world applications by participating in STEAM online learning courses.


  • Apply 21st-century work-life skills to solve challenging problems and promote computational thinking.


  • Build teams that promote self-leadership, self-confidence, communication, teamwork, and collaboration.


  • Express the FIRST philosophies of Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition through our Core Values.


  • Inspire young people to become future leaders in science and technology.


  • Advocate for homeschool and community student participation in FIRST Robotics.


Above all else, we're committed to inspiring students while building a quality robotics education program in our community that demonstrates respect for team members, leadership, and our country where all members feel included, respected, and encouraged so that excellence can be achieved to impact the world in a positive way.


Together, we RISE!


FIRST is more than robots…

FIRST Philosophies

Gracious Professionalism®

Dr. Woodie Flowers, FIRST Distinguished Advisor and Pappalardo Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, coined the term "Gracious Professionalism®.

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.

In Memory of Woodie Flowers. We will miss you!

Click the image below to learn more about his legacy and everlasting impact on FIRST teams, mentors, and students.

Coopertition®

Coopertition® produces innovation. At FIRST, Coopertition  is displaying unqualified kindness and respect in the face of fierce competition. Coopertition is founded on the concept and a philosophy that teams can and should help and cooperate with each other even as they compete.

Coopertition  involves learning from teammates. It is teaching teammates. It is learning from Mentors. And it is managing and being managed. Coopertition means competing always, but assisting and enabling others when you can.
FIRST Vision and Mission

Our FIRST Core Values

 We express the  FIRST  philosophies of Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition through our Core Values:


  • Discovery:  We explore new skills and ideas.
  • Innovation:  We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.
  • Impact:  We apply what we learn to improve our world.
  • Inclusion:  We respect each other and embrace our differences.
  • Teamwork:  We are stronger when we work together.
  • Fun:  We enjoy and celebrate what we do!