What Is FIRST?
FIRST Vision
"Our vision is to transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders." ~Dean Kamen, Founder
The Goal
How it Works
Through a large, successful and growing community of educators, parents, community leaders, engineers, volunteers and sponsors, FIRST builds alliances that inspire and prepare the talent pool, workforce, leaders and capable, technologically literate citizens of tomorrow. FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs that build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology and engineering.
Winning
FIRST redefines winning for these students. Scoring the greatest number of points is terrific, but winning comes with excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism, the ability and maturity to overcome obstacles. Winning means building partnerships with other students, with professionals, between school and business and among communities.
About FIRST
FIRST is a non-profit, educational organization that was founded to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of students and their mentors to design and build a robot using a standard “kit of parts”. The team has to analyze the game and strategize what type of robot would perform well. Typical teams meet months in advance of the building period to learn basic skills and to become better prepared. The goal isn’t simply to build a robot; the robot is a vehicle for learning much more. The real goal is building a collaborative team, a supportive community and a solid strategy for problem solving during the competition.