For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology

FIRST stands for "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology."

FIRST's goal is to engage young people in science, engineering, and technology to inspire the leaders of tomorrow.

"[In] the 2009-2010 FIRST season attracted more than 210,000 youth and more than 90,000 mentors, coaches, and volunteers from 56 countries"

There are four divisions of FIRST depending on age, which are the Junior FIRST LEGO League (Jr.FLL), FIRST Lego League (FLL), FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)

Participants who are between six and nine years old can participate in Jr.FLL, where they build LEGO robots based on scientific challenges.

Participants who are between nine and fourteen years old can participate in FLL, where they use LEGO MINDSTORMS® technology to design their robot.

Participants who are between fourteen and eighteen years old can participate in FTC, where they design high-tech robots and have a chance for receiving scholarships and a place in the World Championships.

Participants who are between fourteen and eighteen years old can also participate in FRC, where they receive help from professional engineers in using sophisticated hardware and software to create their robot. Like FTC participants, FRC teams have a chance for receiving scholarships and a place in the World Championships.

All information on this page is from the FIRST website. To find more information about FIRST, please visit the FIRST website