You ask, what is FIRST?
FIRST is an acronym that means:
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology
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 heroes.”
- Dean Kamen, Founder
Mission
Our mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, 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.
The Man behind the Vision
Dean Kamen is an inventor, entrepreneur, and tireless advocate for science and technology. His passion and determination to help young people discover the excitement and rewards of science and technology are the cornerstones of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).
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.
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 FTC?
The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a mid-level robotics competition for students. It offers the traditional challenge of a FIRST competition but with a more accessible and affordable robotics kit.
The FIRST Tech Challenge grew out of the existing FIRST Robotics Competition and the FIRST Robovation platform. FIRST, RadioShack, and Innovation First, Inc. collaborated to develop an improved version of the FIRST Robovation kit. The new kit is significantly upgraded and is called the Vex Robotics Design System. FIRST piloted the competition for two years under the name “FIRST Vex Challenge” until it was approved as an official program for the 2007 season.
FTC does not replace the existing FIRST robotics competitions. The FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST LEGO League continue to be important parts of FIRST. The FIRST Tech Challenge is intended to compliment these programs and allow more young people to participate in FIRST.
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 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 (16 outside of the U.S. and Canada). 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
What is JFLL?
Junior FIRST LEGO League (JFLL) is an exciting opportunity for the youngest budding scientists. It encompasses the core concepts of all FIRST programs to inspire, excite, and introduce kids to the wonders of science, technology, and engineering.
Teaches the benefits of teamwork
Sparks initial interest in science and technology
Introduces basic design skills through a hands-on approach with the familiarity and fun of LEGO building
Provides a culture of sharing and learning from others
About FRC, FTC FLL and JFLL:
What is the yearly Challenge?
The Challenge is the annual game revealed to teams each September or January during a on-line or Live Broadcast Kickoff. Teams must determine their strategy and program, build, and test their robot. Working through the engineering process brings the reality of science and technology to students on a more intimate, hands-on level while instilling teamwork values.
How do we compete??
Regionals Tournaments are held throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Israel, and Brazil. Then there is a World Festival Championship that is held each year in Atlanta, GA, USA.
What do teams gain from participation?
Teams compete for a series of awards honoring accomplishments in areas including engineering, design excellence, competitive play, sportsmanship, and high-impact partnerships between schools, businesses, and communities. A judging committee of distinguished professionals makes the award decisions. The most prestigious award is the Chairman’s Award and FIRST Tech Challenge Inspire Award, a peer- and formal-judged award that honors the team that performs well in all categories, is viewed by other teams as the most desirable alliance partner, and is viewed by judges as best exemplifying all components of the FIRST philosophy.
Are there other benefits to participating?:
Recently, Brandeis University’s Center for Youth and Communities conducted an independent, retrospective survey of FIRST Robotics Competition participants and compared results to a group of non-FIRST students with similar backgrounds and academic experiences, including math and science. Highlights of the study’s findings include:
- 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.
- 90% or more reported that the program had increased participants understanding of basic science principles, how technology could be used to solve real-world problems, and team members” understanding of the engineering design process.
- 93% of participants reported wanting to learn more about science and technology.
- 80% or more of participants reported increased interest in science and technology careers and doing well in school.
- 74% of team leaders participated as a way to get young people involved in science and technology.
Is scientific, technology, or mathematic expertise required for students to participate in the FIRST ?
FIRST motivates students just becoming familiar with basic concepts in science, math, and technology. The program effectively engages students from various backgrounds, instilling new ideas and concepts in more experienced students, while helping to inspire, motivate, and encourage learning basic principles and skills among students with less experience. Through their FIRST involvement, students also learn about important, life-long team skills such as planning, research, collaboration, mentorship, and teamwork.