FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity that designs accessible, innovative programs that inspire young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, engineering, technology, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills.
Supported by a strong network of sponsors and volunteers, FIRST® provides four programs: the FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC®) and the FIRST®Tech Challenge (FTC®) for grades 9-12 (ages 14-18); the FIRST® LEGO® League(FLL®) for grades 4-8 (ages 9-14); and the Junior FIRST® LEGO® League (Jr. FLL®) for grades K-3 (ages 6-9).
Founded by inventor Dean Kamen over 20 years ago in Manchester, NH, FIRST has grown to reach over 248,000 youth in the US and internationally in the 2010/11 season.
For more info, see www.USFIRST.org.
