F.I.R.S.T. (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology)

          The focus of FIRST is to excite young people about the accessibility, fun, and importance of science, math and technology.  FIRST was founded by Dean Kamen in 1989.  FIRST operates the FIRST Robotics Competition and the FIRST Lego League, and is introducing the FIRST Vex Challenge in conjunction with Radio Shack. 

FIRST Robotics Competition is a high-tech sporting event for high school students.  It joins high school students with thousands of volunteer mentors consisting of engineers, teachers, and other professionals, to create a robot specifically designed to complete tasks in a “game” that changes from year to year.  Much brainstorming, teamwork, and mentoring go into the creating the robot, for there are only 6 weeks to put everything together each year!  FIRST Robotics has expanded to several other countries, including Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Ecuador, and England.

FIRST Lego League is very similar to the Robotics competition.  Participants who range in ages 9-14 create a robot from Lego blocks as well as other elements, and compete in friendly competition while having an opportunity to gain knowledge in engineering and computer programming.

FIRST Vex Challenge is a more accessible and affordable version of the FIRST robotics competition.  The intent is to provide more students with the opportunity to discover robotics, technology and the excitement of engineering and building at a lower cost, but with the same high standards.

For more information, contact the FIRST website, www.usfirst.org.