FIRST

What is FIRST?

FIRST, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, is an organization that uses a sports-like competition atmosphere to entice young people to study science, technology, and engineering. The students learn everything from mechanical engineering to leadership and teamwork.

Who is Involved with FIRST?

The heart and soul of FIRST are the students. They are the ones Dean Kamen hoped to capture when he started the competitions in 1992. However, the students wouldn't be able to build the wonderful robots with out the teaching and guidance of the mentors, boosters, and teachers who give so much time and energy to make FIRST work and grow.

Where are the Competitions?

FIRST has regionals all over the world for an energetic six weeks, all leading up to the master Championship Event in Detroit. The FIRST site has a list of all the regionals and tournaments on their website.

When was FIRST Founded?

FIRST was founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen, the inventor of many medical devices such as the portable insulin pump. He felt that high school students needed an outlet to get excited about engineering and technology.

How can I be Involved?

Join a team as a student or a mentor.
Become a sponsor for your local FIRST robotics team.
Volunteer to be a judge, a referee, or one of the other millions of jobs at your nearest FIRST event.

Learn more about how to get involved at the official FIRST website.

Levels of FIRST

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)

In 1992 FIRST began the FIRST Robotics Competition with 28 teams and a single 14 x 14 foot playing field in a New Hampshire high school gym. Today, it has more than 7,000 teams participating nationwide and internationally, in over 100 Regional events and in a culminating Championship event in April of each year.

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 time frame 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.

FIRST redefines winning for these students because they are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, Gracious Professionalism and maturity, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last.

What is unique about the FRC program?

It is a sport where the participants play with the pros and learn from them
Designing and building a robot is a fascinating real-world professional experience
Competing on stage brings participants as much excitement and adrenaline rush as conventional varsity tournaments
The game rules are a surprise every year

Learn more about the FIRST Robotics Competition at the official FIRST website.

FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)

The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a mid-level robotics competition for high-school students that launched in 2005. It offers the traditional challenge of a FIRST Robotics Competition but with a more accessible and affordable robotics kit. The ultimate goal of FTC is to reach more young people with a lower-cost, more accessible opportunity to discover the excitement and rewards of science, technology, and engineering.

Learn more about the FIRST Technology Competition at the official FIRST website.

FIRST LEGO League (FLL)

FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is an exciting and fun global robotics program that ignites an enthusiasm for discovery, science, and technology in kids ages 9 to 16. Each year FLL teams embark on an adventurous Challenge based on current, real-world issues. Guided by a team coach and assisted by mentors, the kids research and solve a real-world problem based on the Challenge theme, present their research and solutions, and build an autonomous robot using engineering concepts.

Learn more about the FIRST LEGO League Competition at the official FIRST website.

FIRST LEGO League Junior (FLL Jr.)

The newest FIRST program, FLL Junior introduces the youngest students to the exciting world of science and technology. Just like FLL, this program features a real-world challenge, to be solved through research, critical thinking and imagination. Guided by adult coaches, students work with LEGO elements and moving parts to create solutions and present them for review.

Learn more about the FIRST LEGO League Jr. Competition at the official FIRST website.