FIRST^®'S VISION
FIRST is an international program whose vision is 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.

FIRST^®'S MISSION
Their 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.

WHAT IS FIRST^®'S?
FIRST is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization devoted to helping young people discover and develop a passion for science, engineering, technology, and math. Founded over 20 years ago by inventor Dean Kamen, the 2009-2010 FIRST^®'S season attracted more than 210,000 youth and more than 90,000 mentors, coaches, and volunteers from 56 countries. The annual programs culminate in an international robotics competition and celebration where teams win recognition, gain self confidence, develop people and life skills, make new friends, and perhaps discover an unforeseen career path.

FIRST^®'S PROGRAMS
FIRST^® Jr. Lego League and Lego League introduce younger children to the exciting world of science and technology. These program features a real-world challenge to be solved by research, critical thinking, construction, teamwork, and imagination. Guided by adult coaches, teams use LEGO^® bricks to build a model with a motorized part and develop a coordinating poster to illustrate their journey. Children are immersed in real-world science and technology challenges. Teams build LEGO^®-based robots and develop research projects. Through their participation, children develop valuable life skills and discover exciting career possibilities while learning that they can make a positive contribution to society.

More geographically accessible, FIRST^®Tech Challenge (FTC^®) is designed for those who want to compete head-to-head using a sports model. Teams of up to 10 students are responsible for designing, building, and programming their robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams. The robot kit is reusable from year to-year and is programmed using a variety of languages. Teams, including coaches, mentors, and volunteers, are required to develop strategy and build robots based on sound engineering principles. Awards are given for the competition as well as for community outreach, design, and other real-world accomplishments.

Dubbed a "varsity sport for the mind," FIRST^® Robotics Competition (FRC^®) combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams of 25 students or more are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program a robot to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. It's as close to "real world" engineering that a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team.

All information for this page was taken from www.usfirst.org. To learn more about each of these programs, including starting your own team, please visit their site.