For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology
FIRST® is an international K-12 organization with the mission to engage students in STEM through hands-on learning. It gives students who are passionate about STEM opportunities through engaging activities and games that are new every year. FIRST participants develop skills in teamwork, problem solving, and communication, preparing them for success in school and the workforce, no matter what path they take.
First offers three different programs depending on the grade:
- FIRST LEGO League (K-8)
- FIRST Tech Challenge (7-12)
- FIRST Robotics Competition (9-12)
How does the competition work?
Over 3,700 FRC teams worldwide compete in a new game each year, which is released in January. Games are often themed by the company sponsoring them. All games involve alliances of three robots competing against each other. Competitions begin with qualification matches where teams are randomly paired together. Top ranked teams after qualification matches can choose their alliances for elimination tournament. The winner of certain tournaments are then qualified to go to the world championship competition held in big cities (Atlanta, Houston).
Mission of FIRST
The mission of FIRST® is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.