Strategic Plan 2025

To establish a dynamic 21st-century learning center in our community for afterschool and homeschool community and afterschool K-12 students to acquire essential skills sustained through excellence in Technology, Robotics, and Computer Science.

A group of young people are sitting around a table in a garage.
A group of children are posing for a picture in front of a large screen.
A group of young men are posing for a picture with their robots.
A group of young men are standing next to a r2d2 robot.
A large room with tables and chairs and a brick wall.
TRC 5 Year Strategic Plan:
2020-2025
Together, We RISE.

Our Driving Vision:

Our 2025 5 year strategic plan is mostly accomplished now. We have established a dynamic 21st-century learning center in our community for afterschool, homeschool and community K-12 students to acquire essential skills sustained through excellence in Technology, Robotics, and Computer Science.


Our Mission:

Our mission is 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. 

Strategic Objectives:

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

To teach students about Technology education and career paths in STEAM science, technology, engineering, art/design, and math.

Design and Build Competitive Robots

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

Technology and Robotics Outreach

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

Strategic Actions:


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


  • 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 students to engaging online learning experiences and real-world applications by participating in STEM online learning courses.


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


  • Build teams that promote 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 the future leaders in science and technology.


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


Above all else, we're committed to building a robotics education program in our community that demonstrates respect for team members, adult leadership, and our blessed country where all students feel welcome and encouraged to learn and serve others so that excellence can be achieved to impact the world in a positive way.


Together, we RISE!


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!

FIRST is more than robots.
"This is a machine to build the people who will change the world."

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.

A man is standing in front of a microphone and smiling.
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
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