FOR INSPIRATION AND RECOGNITION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FIRST

FIRST was founded by inventor, entrepreneur, and advocate for science and technology Dean Kamen in 1989. FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs 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. The FIRST Robotics Competition (Grades 9-12) began in 1992 with 28 teams in a NH high school gym. It was followed by FIRST LEGO League (Grades 4-8) in 1998, FIRST Tech Challenge (Grades 7-12) in 2007 and FIRST LEGO League Jr (Grades K-3) in 2004. Today with the support of 230,000 volunteers, FIRST serves more than 400,000 students on 44,000+ teams.