What is FIRST?

FIRST stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.  FIRST was founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen, President of DEKA Research & Development Corporation, to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology.  FIRST is headquartered in Manchester, New Hampshire. FIRST holds three competitions: FIRST Robotics Challenge (FRC) for high school students, FIRST TECH Challenge (FTC) for high school and middle school, and FIRST Lego League (FLL) for middle and elementary school students.  Each level of competition has a regional and national level.  There are regional  competitions all over the United States and in six other countries.  Each group has its own build season and regional competitions which occur at separate times from the others.  The national competition is held in Atlanta, Georgia, where all three competition groups come together to compete.  Over all, more than 133,000 students compete in FIRST competitions with over 11,000 robots. 

What is FIRST's Mission and Vision?

FIRST's Vision is:
"To create a world where science and technology are celebrated... where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes."- Dean Kamen

FIRST'S Mission is:
FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs that build not only science and technology skills and interests, but also self-confidence, leadership, and life skills.

What is "Gracious Professionalism"?

"Gracious Professionalism" was first coined by Woody Flowers, the  FIRST Executive Advisory Board Vice Chairman and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  Gracious Professionalism is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community.  Gracious professionals learn and compete like crazy, but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process.   Knowledge, competition, and empathy are comfortably blended. One can add to society and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing one has acted with integrity and sensitivity.