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ORTOP Mission Statement

To open doors to the worlds of science and technology for Oregon’s youth, by delivering the FIRST programs to 6- to 18-year-old youngsters, with a focus on reaching those who might not otherwise participate because of their race, gender, or socio-economic status. In addition to FIRST Tech Challenge, ORTOP also implements Jr. FIRST LEGO League and FIRST LEGO League.

ORTOP

To accomplish its mission, ORTOP uses a 3 programs developed and distributed by the FIRST, which stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) an internationally recognized educational foundation. These three programs are FIRST LEGO League, Junior FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge.

ORTOP is a program of the Oregon University System but is almost entirely volunteer driven. The ORTOP Planning Committee is made up of volunteers from the programs sponsors and partners and well as private individuals. Many adult volunteers will organize and coach teams this year, while close additional volunteers will plan and stage workshops, scrimmages and the Championship Tournament. These volunteers come from many sources, including sponsors and community partners.

Here is an overview of ORTOP Programs.

FIRST- For Inspiration and Recognition of Science & Technology

A international non-profit organization called FIRST , located in Manchester, NH, organizes an annual network of robotics tournaments under the names FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), FIRST LEGO League (FLL) and Junior FIRST LEGO League(Jr.FLL). FIRST focuses on promoting science and technology to young people. They have formed a network of robotics tournaments that use 3 unique types of robotics kits. Over the last several years, similar robotics tournaments held in other states and countires have proven to be extremely valuable in inspiring young people's interest in science and technology and preparing them to enter tomorrow's workforce. The teams allow the children to serve in a variety of roles:

Rather than being a "winner takes all" competition, the tournament provides an exciting opportunity for teams to learn from each other and share their excitement. All team members go home with a medallion. In addition, trophies are awarded in many catagories.

Contact Us

If you have questions about the Oregon Robotics Tournament and Outreach Program, send an email message to
questions@ortop.org
or call 503-725-2920 (Cathy Swider) or 503-725-2915 (Bruce Schafer).

If you would like to register for an ORTOP workshop click here for FLL workshops or click here for FTC workshops

If you need to contact us by mail, please use the following address:
ORTOP c/o OUS Industry Affairs
 PO Box 751, IAFF
Portland, OR 97207-0751

If you need to visit us in person, we are located at:
Industry Affairs, Oregon University System
ORTOP
2125 SW 4th Ave., Suite 505
Portland, OR 97201

We are in the Unitus Building.