FIRST is the acronym of "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology." Founded by Dean Kamen in 1989 to promote the interest of science and technology in young people and students.
What is FIRST
Vision of FIRST
"To create a world where science and technology are celebrated... where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes"
Dean Kamen
Impact of FIRST
When compared with the comparison group, FIRST Students are:
- More than 3 times as likely to major specifically in engineering.
- Roughly 10 times as likely to have an apprenticeship, internship, or co-op job their freshman year.
- Significantly more likely to expect to achieve a post graduate degree.
- More than twice as likely to expect to peruse a career in science and technology.
- Nearly 4 times as likely to expect to peruse a career specifically in engineering.
- More than twice as likely to volunteer in their communities.
FIRST Programs
Jr. FIRST Lego
League - robotics competition for students in
grades K-3. Students are introduced to science and technology using
LEGOs and problem solving skills to create solutions for science
problems.
FIRST Lego League - robotics competition for students in grades 4-8. Students build LEGO robots to complete tasks guided by imagination and their mentors.
FIRST Tech Challenge - robotics competition designed for students in grades 9-12. Teams of up to 10 students compete head-to-head on alliances of other teams. Teams develop a strategy and build robots to compete.
FIRST Robotics Competition - described as "The varsity sport for the mind." A combination of sports and science and technology high school students design and build a robot to compete on an alliance of 2 other teams in a game revealed every January. Along with building robots teams design websites, fund raise, and develop team working skills.
FIRST Lego League - robotics competition for students in grades 4-8. Students build LEGO robots to complete tasks guided by imagination and their mentors.
FIRST Tech Challenge - robotics competition designed for students in grades 9-12. Teams of up to 10 students compete head-to-head on alliances of other teams. Teams develop a strategy and build robots to compete.
FIRST Robotics Competition - described as "The varsity sport for the mind." A combination of sports and science and technology high school students design and build a robot to compete on an alliance of 2 other teams in a game revealed every January. Along with building robots teams design websites, fund raise, and develop team working skills.
FIRST Charity Information
FIRST
has received a
4 Star Rating from Charity Navigator for constantly executing it's
mission in a fiscally responsible way.FIRST is a 501(c)(3) public charity and donations are Tax deductable.