The 3 Levels of FIRST
What is FIRST ?

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a nonprofit organization in the USA founded by Dean Kamen with the mission of inspiring young people to become passionate about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through a series of innovative robotics competitions, FIRST aims to cultivate STEM skills and foster a love for learning. Its programs, which cater to a wide range of age groups, include the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), and the FIRST LEGO League (FLL), each designed to engage students in promote STEM education. If you want to learn more, use our chatbot in the bottom right corner!

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Participants gain real-world problem-solving experience through a guided, global robotics program, helping today's students and teachers build a better future together.
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The FIRST Core Values are the cornerstones of the program. They are among the fundamental elements that distinguish FIRST LEGO League from other programs.
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By embracing the Core Values, participants learn that friendly competition and mutual gain are not separate goals, and that helping one another is the foundation of teamwork.

Dean Kamen


Chris Moore
Woodie Flowers
Major figures in FIRST



Dean Kamen
Dean Kamen, inventor and entrepreneur, founded FIRST in 1989 to inspire young people to pursue STEM careers. FIRST’s robotics programs have impacted over 3.2 million students globally, providing hands-on learning, scholarships, and career pathways. Known for holding over 1,000 patents, Kamen developed groundbreaking medical devices like the portable insulin pump and led innovations through his company, DEKA Research & Development.
Chris Moore
Chris Moore is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FIRST. Under his leadership, FIRST has expanded its impact, providing robotics programs that equip students with critical skills and confidence to innovate. An inventor and entrepreneur with a passion for clean energy solutions, Moore is committed to advancing STEM education and empowering the next generation of problem-solvers and leaders.
Woodie Flowers
Woodie Flowers, an MIT professor and co-founder of FIRST, coined the term "Gracious Professionalism," a guiding principle that emphasizes competing with kindness, respect, and integrity. As a mentor and advocate for STEM education, he played a pivotal role in shaping FIRST’s culture, encouraging students to combine technical excellence with collaboration and empathy.
FIRST LEGO LEAGUE (FLL)

FIRST TECH CHALLENGE (FTC)
FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION (FRC)
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The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) offers an exhilarating platform for students to dive into the world of robotics. With a focus on teamwork and ingenuity, FRC enables participants to create innovative robots designed to compete in various challenges.
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Teams are mentored by industry professionals and gain hands-on experience with real-world technology, enhancing their problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills.
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FRC not only promotes STEM education but also cultivates a sense of community and collaboration among aspiring engineers and scientists.
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The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) empowers students to engage in hands-on learning through innovative robotics challenges.
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Designed for middle and high school students, FTC provides an exciting platform to build skills in engineering, technology, and teamwork.
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Teams work together to develop solutions to complex problems, compete against peers, and participate in a global community of learners.



Chris Moore is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FIRST. Under his leadership, FIRST has expanded its impact, providing robotics programs that equip students with critical skills and confidence to innovate. An inventor and entrepreneur with a passion for clean energy solutions, Moore is committed to advancing STEM education and empowering the next generation of problem-solvers and leaders.
Woodie Flowers, an MIT professor and co-founder of FIRST, coined the term "Gracious Professionalism," a guiding principle that emphasizes competing with kindness, respect, and integrity. As a mentor and advocate for STEM education, he played a pivotal role in shaping FIRST’s culture, encouraging students to combine technical excellence with collaboration and empathy.

Chris Moore

Woodie Flowers

Dean Kamen
Dean Kamen, inventor and entrepreneur, founded FIRST in 1989 to inspire young people to pursue STEM careers. FIRST’s robotics programs have impacted over 3.2 million students globally, providing hands-on learning, scholarships, and career pathways. Known for holding over 1,000 patents, Kamen developed groundbreaking medical devices like the portable insulin pump and led innovations through his company, DEKA Research & Development.
Dean Kamen, inventor and entrepreneur, founded FIRST in 1989 to inspire young people to pursue STEM careers. FIRST’s robotics programs have impacted over 3.2 million students globally, providing hands-on learning, scholarships, and career pathways. Known for holding over 1,000 patents, Kamen developed groundbreaking medical devices like the portable insulin pump and led innovations through his company, DEKA Research & Development.
Chris Moore is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FIRST. Under his leadership, FIRST has expanded its impact, providing robotics programs that equip students with critical skills and confidence to innovate. An inventor and entrepreneur with a passion for clean energy solutions, Moore is committed to advancing STEM education and empowering the next generation of problem-solvers and leaders.
Woodie Flowers, an MIT professor and co-founder of FIRST, coined the term "Gracious Professionalism," a guiding principle that emphasizes competing with kindness, respect, and integrity. As a mentor and advocate for STEM education, he played a pivotal role in shaping FIRST’s culture, encouraging students to combine technical excellence with collaboration and empathy.
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The First Tech Challenge (FTC) empowers students to engage in hands-on learning through innovative robotics challenges.
-
Designed for middle and high school students, FTC provides an exciting platform to build skills in engineering, technology, and teamwork.
-
Teams work together to develop solutions to complex problems, compete against peers, and participate in a global community of learners.


