FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) sponsors robotics competitions to inspire and challenge students in Grades kindergarten – 12 to learn and apply engineering and science skills. Founded in 1989, FIRST® is a progression of robotics competitions that begins with FIRST® Lego League in elementary school and grows into the FIRST® Robotics Competition in high school.

Inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST® believes that we become those whom we celebrate. His vision: “To create a world where science and technology are celebrated… where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes.” To make this a reality, Mr. Kamen teamed up with Dr. Woodie Flowers, emeritus Pappalardo Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to create varsity-team competitions that will inspire the next generations of science and technology superstars.

"Everybody has to be able to participate in a future that they want to live for. That's what technology can do." - Dean Kamen