BEST Middle and High School Robotics Competition Samuel Ginn College of Engineering 217 Ramsay Hall Auburn University, AL 36849 334-703-0077   Fax: 334-844-5715 www.bestinc.org

BEST is a non-profit, volunteer based organization whose mission is to engage, excite, and inspire middle and high school students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through participation in a sports-like, science- and engineering-based annual robotics competition. The BEST competition has been described as merging the excitement of a high school basketball game, the strategy of a chess match, and the intellectual challenge of a science fair with hundreds of screaming fans, pep bands, cheerleaders, mascots, a deejay, and the pressure of a competitive sporting event.

BEST seeks to impact students, schools, and communities nationwide by providing a life-changing experience that unlocks students' imagination, develops their competencies, and helps them discover their potential.

Our core values:

Students are the sole participants, primary decision-makers, designers, and builders.

There is no registration or participation fee-all equipment and materials are provided at no cost to participating schools.

Any school may participate regardless of type, size, location, location, or socioeconomic status.

Provide students with a real-world engineering experience that incorporates the practical application of math and science.

Help students develop leadership, project management, team-building, and organizational skills.

Develop students' self-confidence and competence through project-based and self-directed learning, decision-making, abstract thinking, and problem-solving.

Enhance classroom learning and thus impact K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

Prepare students to be technologically literate and better prepared to enter the workforce.