ABOUT FIRST
FIRST was founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a multinational,
non-profit organization that aspires to transform culture, making science, math, engineering, and technology as cool for kids as
sports are today. FIRST operates the FIRST Robotics Competition where students compete against one another with sophisticated robots that the students have built with the help of professional mentors. The students are sponsored by companies (like NASA) either with monetary donations, with mentors, supplies, or food. After building and programming the robots, teams from different areas come together and compete against one another in exciting action-packed tournaments. It is about as close to "real-world
engineering" as a student can achieve in high school.
FIRST's success is do to the volunteers that support the teams through out the world.
FIRST Founding Sponsors
John Abele - FIRST Chairman, Boston Scientific Corporation
Dean Kamen,
DEKA Research and Development Corporation
FIRST in safety first!
FIRST is looking to recognize those teams at FRC events who “get it” about safety throughout their program, and who are truly committed to further developing a culture of safety through the FIRST Safety Awareness and Recognition Program. They are looking for teams that take a lead in developing programs and policies that have a positive and lasting impact on each team member and mentor, their communities, and their work places. Please read the FIRST Robotics Competition Team Safety Manual (which is still relevent for this year) for additional details, as well as FIRST Safety!