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Sublinks FIRST 2009 Game About FIRST Dean`s Homework Past Games Scholarship Info Links FIRST Website FIRST Robotics Canada FIRST Rochester FIRST Wiki Our Blog   Home > FIRST FIRST FIRST is an acronym meaning "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology". The FIRST Robotics program was begun in 1992 by inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen. The main FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) started in New Hampshire with 28 teams and has since increased to 1,684 teams in 11 different countries. Other FIRST programs include the FIRST Tech Challenge, FIRST LEGO League, Junior FIRST LEGO League, and FIRST Place and covers ages 6 to high-school student participants, and college-age to adult mentors and volunteers. The vision of FIRST is explained in a quote by Dean Kamen: "To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes." The foundation's mission statement declares: "Our mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, 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." Another important aspect of FIRST is "Gracious Professionalism", a term coined by Dr. Woodie Flowers. Gracious Professionalism encourages learning and competition, but not to the detriment of opponents. ©1997-2009 Blue Lightning Team 578, Team 578 is located in Fairport NY   : :