What is FIRST?
F.I.R.S.T. (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) 
"...to create a world where science and technology are celebrated...where young
people dream of becoming science and technology heroes..."
-Dean Kamen, Founder of FIRST

          In the FIRST Robotics Competitions, students, engineers, and adult mentors work co-operatively to build a robot to meet the new challenge presented in each year's game. The founder of FIRST, Dean Kamen, has created many remarkable devices himself, such as the first wearable drug infusion pump, the Segway Human Transporter, and the I-bot. Pursuing his desire to help children discover the benefits of science and technology, Dean created the wonderful organization that is FIRST. With these ideals as a cornerstone, FIRST provides an environment where students around the world strive to achieve their dreams. 
          Founded in 1992, the FIRST Robotics Competition has grown from its original 28 teams competing in a single high school to more than 900 teams around the world. FIRST has also grown into divisions for middle school students and younger such as VEX Challenge, LEGO League, and Junior Lego League. FIRST Robotics Competitions are now being held in 37 separate locations (33 in the USA, 2 in Canada, 1 in Brazil, and 1 in Israel), and the Annual Championship held at Georgia Dome in Atlanta.Years of dedicated work by volunteer mentors, professional engineers, teachers, and students have made FIRST what it is today.

          For more information on this global organization or this year's challenge, Overdrive, click the FIRST logo or Overdrive logo below.