About FIRST

The FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Program was founded in 1989 with the goal of getting more students hands-on experience with science and engineering. It has expanded from a tiny organization consisting of 28 teams meeting in a local gymnasium, to a world-wide program that impacts over 275,000 people. With its four sub-programs geared at different age groups, it brings hands-on exposure to science and technology to kids of all ages.

The Junior FIRST LEGO League

FIRST's newest program, the JFLL brings the wonders of science and technology to young elementary school children. Geared at children from grades K-3, the program gives children the opportunity to learn from adult mentors and solve a challenge using LEGO parts. Students get to use the math, science, critical-thinking, and teamwork skills they learn in the classroom to design and build a LEGO robot.

The FIRST LEGO League

The FIRST LEGO League, for grades 4-8, introduces young students to the exciting world of engineering by giving them the opportunity to design LEGO-based robots. Students use LEGO Mindstorms® to design, build, and program 'bots to complete a task that is unique every year. Students use imagination, innovation, and their math and science skills to solve a problem and "learn to make positive contributions to society."

The FIRST Tech Challenge

Formerly the FIRST Vex Competition, the FTC brings engineering challenges to high school students. In FTC, students build robots based on the Vex kit to compete against other FTC robots in a competitive setting. FTC is a less costly alternative to FRC, FIRST's oldest program, and allows high school students to apply science and math skills to real-world challenges while encouraging community outreach efforts. FTC students have opportunities to earn college scholarships.

The FIRST Robotics Competition

Called "the varsity sport for the mind," FRC, FIRST's flagship program, introduces high school students to science and technology in a sports-like, competitive (yet friendly) arena. Students design and build robots to play a game, which is unique every year, and compete against other robots in an exciting, fast-paced setting. Students learn from professional engineers and community mentors, and hone their abilities to design, fabricate, and program their creations. Our team participates in FRC, and "it's as close to 'real-world engineering' as a student can get!"