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Code updated on:
02/17/2010 13:37

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What is FIRST?

FIRST

FIRST Logo

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded by Dean Kamen and Woodie Flowers in 1989 to help inspire students to pursue fields in engineering and technology.

Aside from organizing and running the FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition), FIRST also maintains the FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge), FLL (FIRST LEGO League), and JFLL (Junior FIRST LEGO League). In addition, FIRST runs a research facility at its headquarters where it holds various educational programs for students and teachers.

FIRST's Mission

FIRST aims to promote teamwork and collaboration between not only engineers, but also competing teams and their members by encouraging them to stay friendly and help each other out when necessary. Woodie Flowers coined the terms "Gracious Professionalism" and "Coopertition" to help all competitors understand FIRST's values.

FIRST's Mission Statement:
"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."

FIRST's Impact

Brandeis University has conducted an independent study of the impact of FIRST, and compared students participating in FIRST to those who don't.
FIRST students, compared to non-FIRST students are:

  • Over three times as likely to major in engineering.
  • Over four times as likely to have a career in engineering.
  • Twice as likely to have a career in science/technology.
  • More likely to achieve a graduate degree.
  • More likely to volunteer in their community.

More about FIRST's Impact