About FIRST

FIRST (For the Inspiration of Science and Technology) Robotics is an international robotics organization founded by Dean Kamen. The intent of FIRST is to inspire students in the fields of science and technology through competitions.

FIRST has four competitions it facilitates each year to promote this vision: FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), FIRST LEGO League (FLL), FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), and Junior FIRST LEGO League (JFLL). The AdamBots participate in FIRST’s FRC program for high school students.

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 leaders.” - Dean Kamen

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.” – USFIRST.org

What does it look like?

Sometimes the easiest way to understand something is to see it.  If you have never heard of FIRST, click the image to the right.  A video of one of our FRC matches from Vimeo will pop up and you will see what an FRC match might look like.

The People Behind FIRST

FIRST could not happen without the help of many people; volunteers, mentors, and students all help make FIRST happen.

Founder: Dean Kamen

Dean Kamen is an inventor, an entrepreneur, and a tireless advocate for science and technology. His roles as inventor and advocate are intertwined—his own passion for technology and its practical uses has driven his personal determination to spread the word about technology’s virtues and by so doing to change the culture of the United States.

Mentors

Our mentors are a key to the success of FIRST Robotics and our team. Mentors go above and beyond to help ensure that we learn and have fun while on the team.

Volunteers

FIRST has a strong volunteer workforce of 90,000+ people that help make FIRST happen. We appreciate all their hard work and dedication that keeps FIRST running.

Our Involvement in FIRST

Our rookie year in FIRST was 1999.  Ever since, we have improved, changed, and grown as a team.  Please visit our Archives Page for more about past seasons, robots, and games.

What is FIRST to Us?

At a Glance

FIRST

• Founded 1989
• Headquartered in Manchester, NH
• 501(c)(3) public charity

Leadership

• Dean Kamen, Founder
• Walt Havenstein, Chairman of the Board
• Jon Dudas, President
• Board of Directors & Senior Management

Supporters

• More than 90,000 volunteers make FIRST happen
• FIRST is supported by a network of more than 3,500 corporations, educational and professional institutions, and individuals

Programs

• FIRST Robotics Competition for Grades 9-12 (ages 14-18)
• FIRST Tech Challenge for Grades 9-12 (ages 14-18)
• FIRST LEGO League for Grades 4-8 (ages 9-16; 9-14 in the U.S. and Canada)
• Junior FIRST LEGO League for Grades K-3 (ages 6-9)
• FIRST Place for ages 6 to adult

Overall Reach

• 248,000+ students
• 22,475 teams
• 20,675 robots
• 66,000+ mentors/adult supporters
• 33,000+ event volunteers

Source: USFIRST.org