Since 2011, Özyeğin University has been a proud sponsor of Inanc Mechatronics Club (IMC)’s FRC teams (https://www.facebook.com/inancmechatronicsclub).

Assist. Prof. Özkan Bebek of OzU Robotics Lab Faculty has been mentoring this student-led project since the beginning. The FRC experience has created a strong robotics community among these students, who support one another in their pursuits for college and beyond.

Below is some information about FIRST and FRC.

FIRST: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology

FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, 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.

Dean Kamen, the founder of FIRST, is an inventor, entrepreneur, and a tireless advocate for science and technology. His passion and determination to help young people discover the excitement and rewards of science and technology are the cornerstones of FIRST.

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)

The varsity Sport for the MindTM, FRC combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams of 25 students or more are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. It’s as close to “real-world engineering” as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team.

Students get to:
Learn from professional engineers
Build and compete with a robot of their own design
Learn and use sophisticated software and hardware
Compete and cooperate in alliances and tournaments
Earn a place in the World Championship
Qualify for over $20 million in college scholarships
For more information, FIRST’s website: http://www.usfirst.org