The Southwest Florida Regional Technology Partnership (RTP) invites parents, students, school representatives, volunteers and others interested in robotics technology to the IMAG History & Science Center for a free event about the FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics competition program. FIRST makes technology fun for kids by turning robotics into a sport. Attendees will learn how to start their own team or join an existing team and how to become a mentor, coach or sponsor of a FIRST team. The event is Thursday, August 2nd, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at IMAG located at 2000 Cranford Ave. in Fort Myers and is open to the public. Registration is open at www.swfrtp.org.

The Technology Partnership has supported local FIRST teams for three years and has a shared goal with IMAG to excite kids about science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education in Southwest Florida. Through FIRST, kids have the opportunity to explore technology from engineering to videography, from programming to business applications. The IMAG is hosting this event to help inform the Southwest Florida community about FIRST.

About FIRST

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a nonprofit organization founded by prolific inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen. This program makes technology fun for kids by turning robotics into a sport. It also empowers kids to present their knowledge to others and to give back to their communities by educating others about STEAM education. FIRST programs span K-12 grades starting with FIRST LEGO® League Jr. for Kindergarten students up to third-grade, FIRST LEGO® League for children in fourth-grade through eighth-grade, FIRST Tech Challenge for students in 7th-grade through 12th-grade, or FIRST Robotics Competition for high school students in 9th-grade through 12th grade. Learn more at www.firstinspires.org.

About the Regional Technology Partnership

The Southwest Florida Regional Technology Partnership (RTP) was chartered in 2008 and is the only group dedicated solely to the growth of the technology cluster in southwest Florida. The nonprofit organization is a member of Lee County’s Horizon Council and is comprised of technology companies and technology users, economic development groups and higher education institutions. Through its strategies of catalyze, cultivate and connect, the RTP produces educational seminars, career forums, professional networking events and the only regional awards program dedicated to technology development and implementation. Membership and sponsorship information is available at www.swfrtp.org.

About the IMAG History & Science Center

IMAG History and Science Center is a family-friendly destination offering fun interactive exhibits, an aquarium, history displays and a 3D theater. The mission is to engage guests in the exploration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), and more recently the history of Southwest Florida. This is achieved through hands-on experiences and educational programs that further the understanding of the natural and human-made world, and foster an appreciation for the unique environment, natural waterways and rich history of Southwest Florida. A visit to IMAG nurtures intellectual curiosity, discovery and innovation. For more information, visit www.theIMAG.org or visit in person - 2000 Cranford Avenue | Fort Myers, Florida, 33916.