What Is FIRST?

FIRST, a non-for-profit organization, was started in 1989 by inventor, Dean Kamen. FIRST stands for “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology”. It was designed “to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math.”

"To create a world where science and technology are celebrated... Where young people dream of becoming science and technology heros."

Each year, the people at FIRST derive a challenge for high-school Robotics teams all over the world. These teams are given 6 weeks to build a robot that will compete in this challenge. The finished robot participates in “high-tech spectator” competitions, and then further competitions until one team is ultimately declared the winner. Team members work together, learn to stay motivated, and develop a sense of “gracious professionalism”. Years ago, companies like IBM, sent out a message to young adults emphasizing the importance of doing well in school, but more importantly, learning to work as a team. Teamwork is important, because it is necessary in just about every career in the fields of science and technology. To develop a good computer program or great electronic hardware in a company, employees must work together as a team.

The message of FIRST is important. Today, there is a growing shortage of young people entering into careers in science, technology, and engineering. We must get students to enter these careers if the United States is going to maintain its economic leadership in the world.

Overall, FIRST gives students the chance to explore career paths in science and technology, learn new things, have fun, and most importantly, learn to work as a team.

Visit their website at http://www.USFIRST.org