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About FIRST Robotics

FIRST at a glance

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology) is a multi-national, non-profit organization aimed at inspiring an interest in science and technology in today’s youth. Since its founding in 1989 by inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen (creator of the Segway Human Transporter), FIRST has helped positively impact the lives of youths around the world through its accessible and innovative programs. Designed to inspire and encourage participants to pursue careers in science, technology and math, these programs also stress the development of skills in areas such as teamwork, public relations, strategy, dedication, and outreach, many of which are helpful and necessary in future careers and endeavors.

Growth and Impact

The FIRST Robotics Competition was first held in 1992 with only 28 teams in a high school gymnasium in New Hampshire. Since then, FIRST has grown tremendously, now reaching over 130,000 students with numerous mentors and volunteers. FIRST has also expanded to include countries around the world, including Brazil, Great Britain, Israel, and Canada.

According to a recent study done by Brandeis University, students who participate in FIRST are far more likely to pursue a career in science, technology or engineering and achieve a more extensive education in their field of choice. For more information on the impact of FIRST and the Brandeis study, please visit the FIRST website

Gracious Professionalism

Originally coined by Dr. Woodie Flowers, “Gracious Professionalism” is much more than a pleasant sounding phrase. One of the core concepts of FIRST, Gracious Professionalism is meant to apply not only to behavior during FIRST competitions, but also as a guide for participants throughout the rest of their lives. Willingness to help others and treating them with kindness and respect is just as strongly emphasized as being competitive.

FIRST Competitions

FIRST sponsors three competitions in the field of robotics education:

• The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is geared towards high school students and annually introduces a game challenge, giving teams six weeks to design and build a robot which competes with other teams at any one of the thirty regional events and one international Championship Event. Read More...

• The FIRST LEGO League (begun in 1999) provides middle school students with a game challenge where they build and program LEGO Mindstorms robots to autonomously function to complete a number of pre-determined tasks. Read more...

• The FIRST TECH Challenge (FTC) (begun in 2008) provides high school students a more affordable and accessible opportunity to participate in FIRST by using smaller robotics kits. Read more...