About FLLNL
FIRST LEGO League Newfoundland and Labrador (FLLNL) is a division of Levitate Learning, a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
FLLNL strives to promote interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) amongst youth in Newfoundland and Labrador. For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) is a global non-profit organization that was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in the United States. Through the delivery of their various robotics programs and their adherence to their core values, FIRST has been instrumental in exposing STEM to young people all over the world, while developing students’ problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Newfoundland and Labrador has been participating in FIRST LEGO League since the early 2000s.
Our Mission
The Mission of FLLNL is to inspire young people of Newfoundland and Labrador to pursue studies and careers in the field of science, technology, engineering, and math. This will be achieved by engaging youth in exciting mentor-based programs that build technical skills such as research, engineering, and problem-solving, as well as professional skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork. These programs will promote innovation and self-confidence.
Our Vision
The vision of FLLNL is to build a space that celebrates STEM skills, where young people feel encouraged and welcome to pursue innovative solutions to the world’s problems.
Our Values
One of the critical differences between FIRST and other robotics programs is the adherence to six core values that are expressed through philosophies of Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition.
The core values of FIRST emphasize friendly sportsmanship, respect for the contributions of others, teamwork, learning, and community involvement. They are part of FIRST’s commitment to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The Core Values of FIRST are:
- 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!
Gracious Professionalism was coined by Dr. Woodie Flowers and is a pillar of all FIRST programs. Dr. Woodie was Co-Chair of the FIRST Executive Advisory Board, Distinguished Advisor to FIRST, and Pappalardo Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Gracious Professionalism encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. Through Gracious Professionalism, fierce competition and mutual gain coexist. Participants compete intensely while treating each other with respect and empathy. There is no trash talking, nor disingenuous platitudes. Knowledge, competition, and empathy are comfortably blended.
Coopertition fosters innovation by promoting unqualified kindness and respect in the face of intense competition. That means that teams help, and cooperate with each other, even as they compete. It’s about learning from teammates, teaching others, collaborating with mentors, managing and being managed. Coopertition embodies the spirit of competing while assisting and enabling others whenever possible.