The CT FIRST Alumni Network (CTFAN) is the official alumni organization for CT FIRST.  CTFAN is open to all FIRST graduates with a connection to Connecticut.

ABOUT THE CT FIRST ALUMNI NETWORK

MISSION
The CT FIRST Alumni Network (CTFAN) mission is to inspire high school graduates of FIRST programs, enabling them to be a self-driven organization that provides mutual benefits, while seeking to strengthen their passion for science and technology by building and sharing on the strengths of each other.

VISION
The CT FIRST Alumni Network (CTFAN) will enable all members to stay connected and will provide them with resources and education for continuous learning. The organization will engage in the FIRST and overall Connecticut communities through community outreach and FIRST promotional events. Through CTFAN, members will stay connected with industry leaders and cultivate their career paths.

WHO CAN JOIN?
To be eligible to join CTFAN you:
• must be a senior in high school or a high school graduate
• must have been involved in FIRST as a student before graduating
• must have something to do with Connecticut (currently live in, work in, attend college in, or were on a CT team when you were in school).

WHY JOIN?
CTFAN members will have the opportunity to…
• learn about FIRST events in Connecticut
• learn about mentor and volunteer opportunities with FIRST
• create career development opportunities through mentoring and coaching
• learn about job and internship opportunities
• apply for special CTFAN scholarships
• network with fellow FIRST alumni
• share your experiences with current FIRST participants and sponsors
• and much, much more

HOW CAN I JOIN?
It’s as simple as filling-out an online form.

CT FIRST ALUMNI NETWORK SCHOLARSHIP

ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship, established in 2012 thanks to a generous donation by the United Technologies Corporation, helps to support members of CTFAN pursuing higher education in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).  It is the first and only FIRST scholarship to support graduate education (it supports undergraduate education too).

APPLICATIONS
Scholarship applications for 2012 have now closed.  Please check back in early 2013 for the 2013 application.

MEET THE 2012 WINNERS
Carolyn Michener
My name is Carolyn Michener and I’m from FIRST Team Beta #2836 based out of Woodbury, CT. I attended Nonnewaug High School and next year will be a freshman at Boston University studying speech-language pathology.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my teammates, reading a good novel, or playing a Nancy Drew computer game. I also enjoy writing and acting as the copy editor for my school newspaper as well as playing goalie for the Nonnewaug field hockey team. My favorite TV show is NCIS, and I love watching the BBC version of “Sherlock.”

FIRST has truly inspired me to think outside the box of what I want to do with my life. As there are many components that come together to allow a team and robot to function, there are also many avenues of life from which a person can choose. My time as a FIRST participant has shown me that the most important part of FIRST is not building the robot or writing the awards, but impacting the lives of others. As I look back on my high school career, I know that my transformation is all due to the presence of my advisors and mentors from FIRST; now I want to spend my life changing other lives too. I chose to become a speech pathologist to better the lives of others who have suffered the same struggles I have, and use the skills I have learned in FIRST to combine research in speech pathology, neuroscience, and engineering. As someone who has been heavily impacted by FIRST, I plan to dedicate my life to becoming a mentor to others so they can make the universe a little brighter.

Tom Carlone
Growing up and attending high school in Avon, CT provided me with the opportunity to be part of Avon High School’s FIRST team, Team 1124 the Überbots, sponsored by UTC Fire and Security. Participating in the program not only fostered my interest in technology, but also provided insight into the possibilities of robotics, which has since inspired me to pursue a career in the field.

Recently receiving my Bachelor of Science in Robotics Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, the last four years have continued to build upon my passion for robotics. Specifically, I have begun to focus on mobile robots for planetary exploration through involvement with NASA sponsored rover competitions.

I am currently working at Astrobotic Technologies, a Carnegie Mellon spinoff company that is building a lunar rover and lander for affordable missions to the moon in pursuit of the Google Lunar X-prize. In the fall I am beginning the next stage of my education as a Master of Science student in Robotics at CMU.

While several years out of FIRST I still remain in contact with many close friends from Team 1124, and often reflect back on my FIRST experiences. What FIRST taught me about robotics and engineering was invaluable, but what it taught me about myself and the potential of teamwork changed the way I approach new challenges.

FIRST provided excellent mentors, lifelong friends, and a fun, exciting, inspirational environment that instilled in me a passion for robotics, that continues to drive my educational and professional goals. For me, the lasting effect of FIRST was the mindset of solving real-world problems with robotic solutions and having the confidence to take on challenges through ambition and teamwork.

HOW DO I START A SCHOLARSHIP?
If your organization is interested in sponsoring a CTFAN scholarship for 2013, let us know at scholarship@ctfirst.org.

The CT FIRST Alumni Network is a program of CT FIRST.