About First

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 heroes.”

Dean Kamen, Founder

Mission

Our mission 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.

Dean Kamen is an inventor, entrepreneur, and tireless advocate for science and technology. His passion and determination to help young people discover the excitement and rewards of science and technology are the cornerstones of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).

FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, the 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit public charity designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills.

2009 FIRST Scholarship Program

Over $9 million in college scholarships
Over 600 individual scholarship opportunities
Over 120 scholarship providers

Overall Reach - All Programs (projected for 2008/09 season)
Over 195,000 students
17,591 teams
16,391 robots
53,000 mentors
32,000 event volunteers

2009 FIRST Robotics Competition
1,686 teams (as of 1/02/09)
42,150 high-school students
Teams From the U.S., Brazil, Canada, Chile, Germany, Israel, Mexico, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Turkey, and the U.K.
40 Regional events in the U.S., Canada, and Israel; seven District competitions and one State Championship in Michigan
FIRST Robotics Competition Championship at the FIRST Championship in Atlanta, GA, April 16-18, 2009
Robots are built in 6 weeks from a common kit of parts provided by FIRST, and weigh up to 120 lbs. (excluding battery and bumpers)