“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

What is FIRST?

FIRST is an international community of engineers, scientists, and other working professionals that uses robotics to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders. By engaging students in exciting mentor-based programs, FIRST builds science, engineering and technology skills and  inspires innovation. Along the way the programs also  foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership. FIRST strives also to instill a sense of “gracious professionalism” in young people.  For more information, please visit their official site here.

FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition)

FIRST’s biggest league (and the one in which team 2449 competes) is called FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition). In it, teams have six weeks to design, build, and program a specialized robot to do tasks in a game-like format. At the same time, teams are responsible for helping their community, promoting FIRST, fund raising and getting sponsors, building websites, and many other tasks to get the team’s name out to the world. In the end, it culminates into one exciting three-day-long event where the teams form alliances and compete with each other. Interested in learning more?  Just click here.