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FIRST

(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology)

History

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 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). 

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FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, the 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit public charity designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills​.​

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Mission & Vision

Mission
The mission of FIRST® is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, 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.

 

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 leaders."  Dean Kamen, Founder

Methodology
Engage kids in kindergarten through high school in exciting, mentor-based, research and robotics programs that help them become science and technology leaders, as well as well-rounded contributors to society.

Competitions 

FIRST offers four programs for children in grades K-12:

  • ​FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)

    • High school-aged teams compete head to head on a special playing field with robots they have designed, built, and programmed

    • Grades 9-12

    • Current competition: https://youtu.be/gmiYWTmFRVEv 

  • ​FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)

    • ​Teams of middle and high school-aged students are challenged to design, build, and program a robot to play a floor game against other teams’ creations

    • Grades 7-12

  • ​FIRST Lego League (FLL)

    • ​Elementary and middle school-aged students research a real-world engineering challenge, develop a solution, and compete with LEGO-based robots of their own design

    • Grade 4-8

  • ​Junior FIRST Lego League (JrFLL)

    • ​Captures young curiosity by exploring real-world scientific challenges, learning teamwork, and working with motorized LEGO elements

    • Grades K-3

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