FIRST (standing for "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology") is a non-profit organization founded to inspire and excite young people about science and technology by bringing together professional mentors with high school students from around the country.
FIRST was founded in 1989 by inventor and visionary Dean Kamen. In the first year, 28 teams participated in one competition that was held in a high school gymnasium in New Hampshire. In 2006, over 1000 teams competed in 32 regional events and the Championship event at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. FIRST also sponsors the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) program, the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), and a series of education-related projects and programs. FIRST is a 501 (c)(3) organization headquartered in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST, imagines a day when the act of invention - that is, the work of scientists, engineers and technologists - is as revered in the popular culture as music, athletics and entertainment are today. The FIRST vision is to inspire in young people, their schools and communities, an appreciation of science and technology and an understanding that mastering these can enrich the lives of all.
Through a large, successful and growing community of educators, parents, community leaders, engineers, volunteers and sponsors, FIRST builds alliances that inspire and prepare the talent pool, workforce, leaders and capable, technologically literate citizens of tomorrow. FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs that build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology and engineering.
Thousands of students have told stories about how FIRST has affected their live's in a positive way. The results of hard work and serious play have changed them and opened up new opportunities. Students have gained appreciation for science, math, teamwork, and the working world.
This year 90 colleges and universities, professional associations, and corporations from the United States and Canada provided 450 individual scholarship opportunities, valued at nearly 9 million dollars, to FIRST high school students.
FTC is similar to to FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition). FTC is aimed towards high school students. It follows the same premise as FRC, but on a smaller scale. This way areas with low about of money can still participate in FIRST.
For more information about FTC and the 2007 challenge go here
FLL is a competition for elementary and middle school students (ages 9-14). Students build lego robot to complete multiple challenges. These challenges are all based off of theme related to science. Students find possible solutions to these challenge, then share and compare them at regional competitions.
The theme for the 2007 season was "Power Puzzle". The challenge revolved around finding alternative sources of energy. Teams would decide to complete certain challenges such has moving lego power lines and planting lego trees. Teams also research a building in their area and try to find ways to make that building more efficient
For more information on FLL go to: here