About FIRST

FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is the world’s leading youth robotics community, delivering youth robotics competitions that inspire innovation, build confidence, and prepare young people for life.

For more than three decades, FIRST has prepared young people for the future through thrilling, world-wide, sports-like challenges that build self-confidence and collaborative problem-solving skills and have a proven and lasting impact on STEM learning and interest.

The FIRST Core Values are fundamental to FIRST and unique to its programs. The guiding philosophy emphasizes friendly sportsmanship, respect for others’ contributions, teamwork, learning, and community involvement and are part of the commitment to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of unity.

Dr. Woody Flowers, legendary MIT professor and FIRST cofounder, coined the phrases "Gracious Professionalism" and "Coopertition" to define the ethos of fierce yet friendly competition. FIRST teams learn by sharing ideas while competing like crazy but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process.

FIRST Impact | Proven STEM Education & Engagement OutcomesDiscover the impact of FIRST on students’ futures through hands-on STEM engagement, backed by research, at-a-glance reach data, and long-term outcomes.

Purpose

FIRST exists to prepare the young people of today for the world of tomorrow.

Vision

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.

Mission

The mission of FIRST is to provide life-changing robotics programs that give young people the skills, confidence, and resilience to build a better world.

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