About Us

What is FIRST?

FIRST, which stands for “For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology,” is a nonprofit organization founded by Dean Kamen in 1989 to inspire people’s interest and participation in science and technology. FIRST participation is proven to encourage students to pursue education and careers in STEM-related fields, inspire them to become leaders and innovators, and enhance their 21 century work-life skills. FIRST builds powerful mentorship relationships between young people and STEM professionals, helping students of all backgrounds gain confidence to explore the innovation process while they learn valuable science, engineering, technology, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. FIRST creates the people who will change the world today and tomorrow. Gracious Professionalism is part of the ethos of FIRST. The idea and phrase are found throughout FIRST, but no one was a stronger champion that the late FIRST distinguished Advisor, Dr. Woodie Flowers. ” Gracious Professionalism a way of doing things that encourages high- quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. With Gracious Professionalism, fierce competition and mutual gain are not separate notions. Gracious professionals learn and compete like crazy, but trust one another with respect and kindness in the process.

What is FLL?

FIRST LEGO League, introduces science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to children ages 4-16 through fun, exciting hands-on learning. FIRST LEGO League participants gain real- world problem- solving experiences through a guided, global robotics program, helping today’s students and teachers build a better future together. In FIRST LEGO League, students engage in hands-on STEM experiences, building confidence, growing their knowledge and developing habits of learning. FIRST LEGO League’s three divisions inspire youth to experiment and grow their critical thinking, coding and design skills through hands- on STEM learning and robotics.

What is FTC?

It is way more than building robots. FIRST Tech Challenge teams (up to 15 team members, grades 7 – 12) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. Guided by adult coaches and mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles, while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and working as a team. The robot kit is reusable from year to year and can be coded using a variety of levels of Java- based programming. Teams design and build robots, raise funds, design and market their team brand and do community outreach to earn specific awards.

What is FRC?

The FIRST Robotics Competition is the ultimate sport fro the mind. High-school student participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have.” Under strict rules, limited time and resources, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial- size robots to play a difficult field game against like -minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get.

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