For Inspiration and
Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), inspires in young people, their schools and
communities an appreciation of science and technology, and how mastering these can
enrich the lives of all. Corporate America provides economic and professional support
to FIRST. Many Fortune 500 companies have significantly helped FIRST grow and are
committed to its continued progress. Government organizations such as NASA are key
partners in this worthwhile cause. FIRST represents a cooperative team effort by students,
teachers, communities, corporations, and our government.
FIRST Robotics Program
The FIRST Robotics Competition is an exciting, nationwide competition that teams
professionals and young people to solve an engineering design problem in an intense and
competitive way. The program is a life-changing, career-molding experience—and a lot
of fun. In 2002 the competition will reach more than 20,000 students on over 600 teams in
17 competitions. Our teams come from Canada, Brazil, the U.K., and almost every U.S.
state. The competitions are high-tech spectator sporting events, the result of lots of
focused brainstorming, real-world teamwork, dedicated mentoring, project timelines, and
deadlines.
FIRST LEGO League
The FIRST LEGO League (FLL), considered the "little league"
of the FIRST Robotics Competition, is the result of a partnership
between FIRST and the LEGO Company. FLL extends the FIRST concept of
inspiring and celebrating science and technology to children aged 9
through 14, using real-world context and hands-on experimentation.
These competitions show students that
the technological fields hold many opportunities and that the basic concepts of science,
math, engineering, and invention are exciting and interesting.
