About FIRST

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an organization which promotes engineering in grade school through unique programs. Their main program, FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), is a unique varsity sport of the mind designed to help high-school-aged young people discover how interesting and rewarding the life of engineers and researchers can be.

The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard “kit of parts” and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in competitions designed by Dean Kamen, Dr. Woodie Flowers, and a committee of engineers and other professionals.

Other FIRST Programs

FIRST Vision

“To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes.”

—Dean Kamen, Founder

FIRST Mission

Our mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

ngalottiAbout FIRST