FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a program created by Dean Kamen in 1992 to inspire students to become involved and interested in science and engineering. The program first began in a high school gym with just 28 teams. Now, it reaches out to more than 150,000 kids ranging from six years old, all the way through high school. But it doesn’t stop there. FIRST impacts thousands of adults as coaches as mentors who get the chance to change the lives and minds of youth.

Participants are given the opportunity to work with professionals and learn skills commonly used in business, such as programming and design. FIRST also gives out millions of dollars in scholarships to students each year for both engineering and non-engineering related fields.In the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), students learn how to design and build a robot to play a game that is specific to each year.

In addition to engineering skills, FIRST gives participants important life skills such as organization, teamwork, and leadership skills. Students who have been in FIRST are more than twice as likely to expect to pursue a career in science and technology and are more than twice as likely to volunteer in their communities. They are also significantly more likely to achieve a post-graduate degree.

FIRST offers programs for all ages, including the FIRST Lego League (FLL), FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). If you are interested in FIRST, contact a FIRST team in your area or call up a group of friends and start your own team! You can learn more about FIRST at the FIRST website at usfirst.org.

What is 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 14.

FLL is the result of a partnership between FIRST and The LEGO Group. In 1998, FIRST Founder Dean Kamen and The LEGO Group’s Kjeld Kirk Kristiensen joined forces to create FIRST LEGO League (FLL), a powerful program that engages younger children in playful and meaningful learning while helping them to discover the fun in science and technology. So far, FLL has reached more than 135,000 kids in 45 countries around the globe.

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
• Build an autonomous robot using engineering concepts

Using the yearly challanges, FLL:

• Entices kids to think like scientists and engineers
• Provides a fun, creative, hands-on learning experience
• Teaches kids to experiment and overcome obstaclesBuilds self-esteem and confidenceInspires kids to participate in science and technology
• No matter what the child’s subject interest, FLL offers an opportunity for engagement. Whether it is by creativity, technology, or research, FLL dares kids to test, explore, expand, or completely change thoughts and approaches for different sciences each year.

What is FTC?

The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a mid-level robotics competition for high-school students. 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.

What is FRC?

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 timeframe 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

When compared with the comparison group, FIRST students are:

• More than 3 times as likely to major specifically in engineering.
• Roughly 10 times as likely to have had an apprenticeship, internship, or co-op job in their freshman year.Significantly more likely to expect to achieve a post graduate degree.
• More than twice as likely to expect to pursue a career in science and technology.
• Nearly 4 times as likely to expect to pursue a career specifically in engineering.
• More than twice as likely to volunteer in their communities.