Overview
The FIRST Organization
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded by Dean Kamen (who invented the Segway and several medical devices) and it is a non-profit that sparks the interest of young kids into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). It started in 1992 with 28 teams in a New Hampshire high-school gym. It has 4 tech challenge programs, FLL Jr. (FIRST Lego League Jr.) , FLL (FIRST Lego League) , FTC (FIRST Tech Challenges), and FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition).
FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) is the program that 2135 takes part in. It’s the largest and most advanced STEM program that FIRST provides and has more than 3,100 teams worldwide. FIRST Robotics Competition is the ultimate Sport for the Mind. High-school student participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have.” Under strict rules, limited resources, and an intense six-week time limit, teams of 20 or more students are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. Each season ends with an exciting FIRST Championship.
FIRST supports a team base team with team cooperation as one of their main priority. Cooperation with other teams, mentors, volunteers and their own team members is the bases for a successful and enjoyable team. FIRST also encourages students to think outside the box and share their ideas with their peers to work as a team and reach their ultimate goal of inspiring the younger generation’s passion in technology and engineering.
Mission Statement and 503c Statement
The mission of FIRST 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.
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
FIRST Website - http://www.firstinspires.org
FRC Program Website - http://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc