About FIRST Robotics (FRC)

Founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen, FIRST, which stands for “For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology,” is the world’s leading youth-serving nonprofit advancing STEM education. The FIRST Robotics Competition is structured as an international robotics competition, teams of high school students, mentors, and coaches work during an intensive 6-week period to design, build, and program their own industrial-sized 125-pound robots to compete in unique game-based engineering challenges starting in January.

The FIRST Robotics Competition embodies 2 main values, “Gracious Professionalism” and “Coopertition.”

“Gracious Professionalism” is an ideal that encourages high-quality work and respect of others and the community. It blends knowledge, competition, and empathy.

“Coopertition” blends the notions of both cooperation and competition. It is displaying unqualified kindness and respect even in the face of intense competition.

FIRST’s Vision

“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.”

— Dean Kamen, Founder