For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology
FIRST stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. Founded by Dean Kamen in 1989, FIRST has, over the past 20+ years, generated interest in the science and technology fields in many students through its various programs, including FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition), FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge), and FLL (FIRST LEGO League).
History
FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, New Hampshire, the non-profit organization designs innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills.
About the Creator
FIRST was founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen, a tireless inventor, entrepreneur, and advocate for science and technology. His passion and enthusiasm in helping young people discover the rewards of science and technology are the cornerstones of FIRST.
Mission
FIRST's long-term goals include motivating the next generation of young men & woman to become science and technology leaders. By engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, FIRST hopes to inspire innovation and foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership. Their mission statement is as follows:
"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."
How it Works
FIRST is an international high school robotics league. FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) teams consist of high school students that compete to build robots that can perform specific tasks, which change every year. Teams are given a standard kit of parts, and the game details are revealed at the beginning of January (the kick-off). We are given six weeks (the build season) to construct a competitive robot that can be operated by wireless controls, as well as autonomously, to accomplish the tasks of the game.
One year, for example, the main challenge involved constructing a robot that could shoot frisbees accurately into pre-set goals. This year, FRC's challenge is dubbed "Charged Up," where alliances of three robot teams bring energy to their community by retrieving their game pieces from substations and scoring it into the grid. A short, two-minute video summarizing "Charged Up" can be found below.
Partaking in an FIRST Robotics Competition requires teamwork, business knowledge, interpersonal skills, and of course, a little bit of common sense. For anyone out there interested in getting involved with FRC, understand that there is a an immense amount of time and dedication that goes into crafting the "perfect robot." In the end, however, witnessing all of your robot's parts, from motors to potentiometers to that frustrating code you've been tinkering with for weeks, come together is truly amazing sight. Take our word for it: it'll all be worth it in the end. We guarantee it.
More Information
For specific details regarding FIRST people, places, and events, please feel free to explore their website.