For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology
“To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes.”
—Dean Kamen, FIRST Founder
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people to learn about science and technology. FIRST's programs involve students in mentor-based teams that build science and engineering skills, and inspire innovation. FIRST's programs also teach students essential life skills such as self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
In 1992 FIRST launched it's first program, the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), with with 28 teams and one regional competition. As of 2009, the FIRST Robotics Competition comprises over 42,000 high school students in 1680 teams from Brazil, Canada, Israel, Mexico, the Netherlands, the United States, and the United Kingdom. FIRST, as an organization, has grown over the years as well, and now includes over 17,605 teams of student in four different competitions. FIRST now also organizes the FIRST LEGO League for middle school students, the Junior FIRST LEGO League for elementary school students, and the FIRST Tech Challange for high school students.
